Watch/Listen
Shepherding Many And Shepherding Well
Brian Mashburn
October 22, 2017
Audio Player
Shepherding Many And Shepherding Well
I'm sitting down at my computer having come from the hospital. I spent an hour with a friend who is there, a friend who has been there for almost a week, but this was my first visit. While I was there, I found out about two others that are at the hospital, who could also use some shepherding attention. Because of a previous ministry commitment, I left without seeing them. Also while I was there, I received two phone calls and a text, that I didn't answer, from people who need some shepherding attention, promising myself that I will respond as soon as I can. I'm running a bit past my deadline for this article, so I zip back to the office to knock it out, ignore the flashing message light on my desk phone, and do not dare to open email, lest something urgent be there. I begin. Then, a knock on my door. It is a young woman from the past who has driven by to reconnect out of desperation. She needed an ear, someone to witness her suffering, care about it, and pray.
This is all before lunch. Now, if you read all of that and hear it as whining or complaining, perish that thought. Perhaps I am, but I love this life I'm describing. I love having more people than I could ever shepherd around me. I love loving. I love shepherding. I see Jesus in every single one of them, and I would not trade this life of loving and shepherding people for anything.
But… we need more shepherds. And for a group of Shepherds, our group of Shepherds, who have the task of shepherding and leading 100's of people within the church and reaching out to 1000's outside the church… how do they do it?
They organize. They organize themselves to lead and to shepherd. They organize according to their calling, their unique gifts, and the mission of God.
Today, we want to share with you how they have organized for the shepherding and leadership of this church family and call you to join in it.