Shepherding

Intro: What is Jesus like? Since I am supposed to be like Him don’t I need to know? What kind of minister should I be? Or you, since there are those out there who are starting to feel a call to minister (and all of us are called, whether we want to think so or not!)

Ø Should I be a CEO

Ø Should I be a General in God’s army

Ø Should I be the Chief (be careful, “too many chiefs and not enough Indians”)

Ø Should I breathe fire? “Stomp and Snort” Scream and Holler at my church?

Ø What is Jesus like? Why not be like Him?

John 10:1-5KJV

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Ø Meek, Gentle, Humble, is this the mark of a true minister?

Ø Moses tried to do ministry too early and in his own strength. He became enraged and killed an Egyptian. Only after long years as a shepherd, followed by a life-changing encounter with the living God at the burning bush, did Moses become the meekest of men and a powerful leader of God’s flock. We, too, can become basically different people when we receive a change of heart which enables us to be kind to others.

Proverbs 25:28KJV

28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Matthew 11:29KJV

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

1 Thessalonians 2:7KJV

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

Ø The people in the church are the “Flock of God” they must be fed.

2 Timothy 2:15KJV

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Ø Feeding them what they need to the young the milk of the word to the strong the meat

Isaiah 40:11KJV

11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Ø Let’s step on a Pastors/ministers toes for a moment

Ø What does the Bible say to Pastors&ministers how are we to lead?

Ø Ever know a Pastor just a little rough or harsh?

Acts 20:28KJV

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Psalm 23KJV

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Ø We (pastors, ministers etc) are under-shepherds, like the shepherds of Judea, not like in England where it is done for meat, they cannot become close; nor America where it is done like ranching style; we live among the sheep. We share in their pain, we are there in the pastures and in the valley of death