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Shepherding: The Noblest Task
Brian Mashburn
October 6, 2013
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Good Shepherds - Good Sheep
This week, you are being asked to help identify who God might be calling to join the Southwest church eldership. While it is true that every Christian's destiny is to spiritually shepherd a few others relationally, some of them are called to serve in the shepherding position of Elder for us corporately. Who are they? What should you look for?
In describing himself, Jesus (the ultimate model of what God wants an Elder to be) says, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me, and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15)
First of all, you are looking for folks who are "good." Not in the casual way we use the word, but in the Biblical one. They are those who stand and act faithfully for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom against darkness and evil, in themselves and the world.
Secondly, you are looking for folks who already have a "flock". They are already spiritually shepherding others who know and are known by them. It is from this experience that they will pull to be a good Elder.
Thirdly, you are looking for folks who will lay down their lives for others. They are servants, in the truest sense. The last thing you want in an Elder is someone who wants some kind of positional authority to "get things done around here." Jesus said that's how the world's leaders work, not his (Mt 20:25-28).
May God bless us as we recognize those who have grown into good shepherds, like Christ.