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New Elder Installation
Various Speakers
March 25, 2018
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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 sheep, this crook would be instantly associated with the authority of the one among them who is holding it. It was a symbol of who they should follow, who it was that would protect them, and who they could count on to care for them.
The staff was tall, where the sheep could lift its head from among the flock and easily see it. However, it was not merely symbolic. It was an actual tool of the shepherd's trade. It had practical usefulness for his work with the sheep. With it, he could rescue stuck sheep, threaten and fight off predators, or pick an individual from among the flock and pull it close, when necessary.
This morning, the Shepherds of the Southwest church will be adding six men to their numbers: Billy Burr, Ray Guy, John Kletchka, Jay Pharis, Gary Storrs, and DeWayne Trimble.
These men, along with the rest, are now called to take hands-on spiritual care of this flock, to watch over us, guard us, guide us, minister to us, and lead us where it is that the Chief Shepherd wants us to go.
We are very blessed that these men have humbly and prayerfully accepted this call. Many people do not have anyone who volunteers to give them spiritual oversight and care. It is ours to be good sheep, to pray for these Shepherds, submit to them, and to make their work a joy (Hebrews 13:17).
May God have His way as we love each other and the world on His behalf.