Tag: SALT

Role of the Shepherd…#6

The next statement in Jesus’ prayer is also a critical part of the role of the shepherd. He says, “I protected them and kept them safe.”

Shepherds are responsible for protecting and keeping the sheep safe. Paul identifies this in his letter to Titus. Shepherds are to protect and keep sheep safe from those who would lead them away from God. Perhaps this is why shepherds must be teachers.

What is beautiful is the fact Jesus says, “By that name you gave me.” The powerful name of Jesus carries protective authority. Shepherds must use every opportunity to protect and keep the sheep safe by the name of Jesus.

Role of the Shepherd…#5

One of the most significant statements relating to the role of the shepherd is the third. Jesus says, “I pray for them.”

While shepherds carry numerous responsibilities, this one is key. The value of shepherds who pray for their sheep by name cannot be overstated.

As I have met with numerous shepherds across the country, I am encouraged to learn about those who spend hours of time praying for the sheep. They mention them by name and make specific requests on their behalf.

Another common practice is a “Shepherd’s Prayer” after the lesson is presented. May more shepherds realize the essential nature of this role.

Role of the Shepherd…#4

The second statement closely follows yesterday’s thought. Jesus says, “I gave them the words you gave me.” He repeats the idea by saying, “I have given them your word.”

Shepherds are responsible for spiritually feeding the sheep and the spiritual food required for God’s sheep is His word.

In Psalm 23, David relates a similar thought, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Shepherds know where to lead sheep that they might eat what is best for them. 

Today, the idea rests upon providing the spiritual food that strengthens and sustains the sheep. Know the word of God and use its nutrition to help the sheep grow.

Role of the Shepherd…#3

The first statement Jesus makes is emphasized twice in John 17. He says, “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world.” Although slightly different, Jesus goes on to later say, “I have made you known to them.”

The thought expressed is significant. Shepherds are responsible for revealing or making God known to those who follow.

God has given a flock and He wants His shepherds to make Him known to the sheep. Jesus did this for the disciples, living how to do the same today. Read through the gospels and highlight His example.

Role of the Shepherd…#2

One of the “I am” statements in the Gospel of John provides a beautiful description of Jesus, “I am the good shepherd” (Jn. 10:11).

Naturally, we assume that as a shepherd His life and words would help us understand this role, or responsibility.

In His prayer (Jn. 17), six statements are made that suggest the role of the shepherd. We will list all six and then expound on each one beginning tomorrow.

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world.”
“I gave them the words you gave me.”
“I pray for them.”
“I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.”
“I have sent them into the world.”
“I have given them the glory that you gave me.”

Role of the Shepherd…#1

A frequently asked question in the church today is, “What is an elders’ role?” We often refer to the qualifications (1 Tim. 3; Tit. 1), but what exactly is their function?

The term “shepherd” has become more popular in recent years. As a result, a shepherd’s work is aligned with what we read in Psalm 23. He leads, guides, refreshes, walks alongside, comforts, prepares, and anoints. 

Perhaps others come to mind, but these provide a healthy list related to a shepherd’s role, or work. 

Over the next few days, we will examine another perspective provided by Jesus. The intent is to help us consider the responsibility of the church’s leadership today.

Bringing Happiness…

An old saying claims, “Everyone brings happiness, some when they come and some when they leave.” It would be great if leaders brought happiness when they arrived rather than when they left, but such is not always the case. 

At some point, we all leave and when that time comes we have to decide the level of integrity and Christlike character we will demonstrate. Consider the following.

Remember the greater good of followers.
Always accept responsibility for actions.
Be kind, never harsh or abrasive no matter how unfairly treated.
Consider Jesus.

We are leaders and how leave makes a difference.

Leading the Invisible…

How can we lead people who are unseen, or those often described as “the invisible”?

What makes them invisible? Perhaps their skin color? Clothes they wear? Home where they live (or lack thereof)? Their smell, or lack of personal hygiene?

Maybe we do not want to see because we’re afraid.

Maybe it’s because of preconceived ideas. After all, they made a choice, right? Why don’t they just get a job? 

Have we ever pulled up to an intersection where someone stands with a sign asking for help? Do we look at them? Do we look through them? Do we become judgmental?

It is difficult to lead those we make invisible.

A Leadership Challenge…

Challenges are defined as tasks or situations that test someone’s abilities.

There are two primary thoughts for leaders.

1) Leaders must challenge themselves to find ways that test their abilities and strengthen their character.

2) Leaders must challenge others by presenting tasks or situations that produce growth in the abilities of followers. 

People arise to what is expected of them. Experience has proven that when leaders provide encouragement and a level of expectation, followers come through. 

We must learn how to develop the discipline to strengthen our own leadership and that of followers to achieve growth in the church.

Do We Need To Change?

We often hear, “Change is not always good, but it is not always bad either.”

While reading quotes from Jack Welch, one struck a cord, “If the rate of change inside an organization is less than the rate of change outside the organization…their end is in sight.”

Let’s clarify, this is not about changing the message. The message never changes. However, methodology must change. If not, what we’ve experienced in recent years will continue.

Leaders must communicate the need for change and how to implement it timely. They must also ensure that the change inside keeps up appropriately with the change outside.

Doing so prevents the end and provides success.