Watch/Listen
The Heart of A Shepherd
Jerry Morgan
September 29, 2013
Audio Player
God's Method For His Leaders
It is every Christian's destiny to spiritually shepherd a few others.
When I read the words from the elder Peter to his fellow elders, and I look for clues about what Peter sees as "a job description", some things jump out at me: "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:2-4)
God wants people to lead others by developing a genuine care. He wants you to have people with whom you fall in love with. Your leadership should not be because they are under your authority, or under your thumb, or under your judgment, or under you influence. They should be under your care.
God wants that care to develop a spiritual leadership that is based on sacrificial service. Even our Chief Shepherd, Jesus, said that he came not to be served, but to serve. If you want to fulfill your destiny to spiritually lead a few others, you will do so by being their servant.
And finally, imagine a church where no leader ever taught someone else anything that they weren't putting into practice themselves. God wants that kind of integrity in His shepherds - he wants them to be Christ-like examples. They are to be models of what it is they are helping others to become.
May we all become spiritual leaders in God's way.