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New Elder Installation
Various Speakers
February 2, 2014
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Shepherding
The universally understood symbol of a shepherd is called the shepherd's crook. It is a long, solid staff that ends with a curvature that functions as a hook.
For the sheep, this crook would be instantly associated with the authority of the one holding it. It was a symbol of who was in charge, who it was they should follow, and who it was that took care of them.
As symbolic as the unique staff was of the shepherd's authority, it was not merely symbolic. It was also an actual tool of the shepherd's trade. It had practical usefulness for his hands-on work with the sheep. With it, he could rescue stuck sheep, threaten or fight off predators, and pick an individual sheep from among the flock and pull it close if necessary.
This morning, the Shepherds of the Southwest church will be adding five men to their numbers: Doyle Corder, Stan McKeever, Bob Sheets, Alvin Stamps, and Roger Wilcox.
These men, along with the rest, are now called to be good shepherds, to give hands-on spiritual care of this flock, to watch over us, guard us, guide us, minister to us, and lead us where it is the Chief Shepherd wants us to go.
These men have humbly and prayerfully accepted this call. As sheep in their flock, we are most blessed, for many do not have any spiritual oversight, and it is on us now to be good sheep, to pray for them, and submit to them, and to make their work a joy (Hebrews 13:17).
May God have His way.