The role of the shepherd is one of most commonly used images in the Bible. From Moses, to David’s most famous, to Jesus himself, shepherding has parallels with leading God’s people.
I’ve never been a shepherd of literal sheep, but from what scripture tells us, there is a lot in common between sheep/church members, and pastors/shepherds. In this guest article, long-time pastor Trip Kimball gives us biblical insight into this important aspect of pastoral ministry.
— Karl Vaters
What is your perception of the role of a pastor? We can find considerable guidance in the Bible, but pop culture can’t cast a lot of influence if we’re not careful.
When pastoral expectations are driven by a result-oriented culture, our role is easily skewed.
The Bible is the primary guide we ought to seek first. I think most of us do, but current trends compete with what should be obvious.
Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10, so Jesus is our prime example. He was an extraordinary, yet humble leader.
The Bible and Our Prime Example of Jesus
Let’s start with two primary scripture references, John 10 and Ezekiel 34. Next to them, the pastoral epistles are valuable — 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon (for conflict resolution).
All these references provide guidance for what God expects of those who are called to be pastoral leaders, including senior or lead pastors, church planters, elders, and ministry heads — anyone overseeing God’s people, the church.
The Lord has high expectations for those who serve as His shepherds. Yet it’s easy to feel the squeeze of the expectations of those we lead. I’ll address that later.
In John 10, Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd twice (verses 11 & 14) where he speaks of two distinctions:
1. The Good Shepherd lays his life down for the sheep
A servant-leader is more concerned for the people than self. We also see this in Jesus’ example of washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17), and when he says that he didn’t come to be served but to serve and offer himself as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
2. The Good Shepherd knows his sheep and is known by them
Jesus knows those who are his sheep — his true followers — and they know him. He has a genuine relationship with them. Jesus also says his sheep know his voice and follow him (John 10:27). We are to know God’s people, but more importantly they ought to hear the Good Shepherd’s voice through us.
How Can We Follow the Good Shepherd’s Example?
One of the difficult things to emulate is Jesus’ close relationship with his people. It is not an overbearing closeness that leads to abusive control, nor is it a familiar friendship that excludes others.
Shepherding God’s people is somewhat like being foster parents. We have a great responsibility, but little actual authority.
My wife and I were foster parents for a season. It was a great experience for our family and allowed us to share God’s goodness with many children and teens. It was also a vivid illustration of my role as a pastor. We were temporary surrogate parents under the authority of the state, just as I was pastoring under the authority of the Good Shepherd.
How do we follow Jesus’ example as the Good Shepherd? It requires lots of continued prayer, humility, and a willingness to be corrected along the way.
How Not To Do It
In John 10:1–6, Jesus tells a parable about shepherds and sheep, but it wasn’t understood by those who heard it. I’m not so sure we understand it any better today.
Jesus speaks of a door to the sheepfold and those who try to get in by their own means. The shepherd who enters by the door knows his sheep and they know his voice. When he calls them by name, they follow him, but won’t follow a stranger.
Following this parable, Jesus explains that he is the door, using one of several “I am” statements about himself. Then he calls himself the Good Shepherd, in contrast to a “hireling” — a hired shepherd who doesn’t have a relationship with the sheep.
When the hireling sees a wolf coming, he abandons the sheep, so the sheep are either caught or scattered by the wolf. The wolf is the enemy of our souls, while the hireling is . . . well, sometimes he’s you and me.
In Ezekiel 34:23, we find a portrait of the hireling. It’s not pretty. The Lord says he will rescue his sheep and establish one shepherd over them. I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them — my servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd. (NKJV)
This anticipates Jesus — the Son of David, the Messiah — coming as the Good Shepherd. Any true shepherd is to be like him and submit to him.
Let’s Be Honest With Ourselves
Any honest pastor will admit to thoughts of quitting the pastorate or moving on from one ministry to another. Some carry out those thoughts out of desperation, but many of us don’t.
By far, most pastors aren’t hirelings. They love the Lord and God’s people. It’s not a job, it’s their life calling.
But there’s another way we emulate the hireling more than the Good Shepherd. We might not be a hireling, but we may sound and act more like a sheepdog than a shepherd.
The sheepdog differs from the shepherd. Even their nature is different. I addressed that in another article. Although this is primarily geared toward pastors and church leaders, I believe it applies to any of us who have an influence in people’s lives.
Here are a couple of questions to consider about following the Good Shepherd.
How are you following the example of the Good Shepherd? Be honest with yourself and ask the Holy Spirit’s witness to guide you.
Do you mirror more of what Jesus says in John 10, or do you find yourself drifting into the attitude and actions of the shepherds of Ezekiel 34?
(Photo by Gerry Wood | Flickr)
