SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF THE GOD OF THE LIVINGTHE - PAST AND THE PRESENT

Apostle Dr. S. K. Baidoo

PASSAGES  :           Genesis 18:19; Psalm 23; John 10:1-10

 INTRODUCTION

The vision statement of the Church is focused on bringing God closer to his children. To accomplish this, the role of the Apostle, the Prophet, the Pastor and the rest of the equipping gifts as shepherds of God’s flock becomes very paramount, hence my topic.

 MEANING OF SHEPHERD

To shepherd means to guide, conduct, direct, escort, lead, pilot, steer.

(Miriam Webster’s Collegiate Thesaurus).[1]

THE BIBLICAL MEANING AND CONCEPT OF SHEPHERDING:

In the Bible a shepherd is depicted as one who takes care of a flock. Some of his roles are tending, feeding and guarding the flock. God’s people like Moses, David, Rachel, Abel and even Jacob were all shepherds.

The equipment of the shepherd included a bag made of goat’s skin with the portion of the goat’s legs tied together. It was used to carry food and other items for his use. Others were a sling for protection against wild animals, a rod about thirty inches long, with a knob on one side, a staff, a crook, and a flute for entertaining the flock. The sheep will learn to recognize the voice of their master[2]   (Gen 46:32; (1 Sam 17:20; John 10:3-6)

 The N. T. uses the Greek word “Poimen” for shepherd, (Matt. 9: 36; Mark 6:36; Luke 2:8) and is a metaphor for Pastor.

THE GOD OF THE LIVING AND HIS PERCEPTION OF SHEPHERDING

Genesis 18:19 - This passage gives us the opinion of God concerning His standard and estimation of the shepherd. “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him”.

It is very lucid/clear from the passage that shepherds who are to take care of God’s flock are chosen by God Himself for the purpose of directing/nurturing so as to keep the flock very close to God and by so doing to enable them enjoy His blessings. Abraham was to be a good shepherd and God’s fulfillment of His promise to him depended on his ability to do this.  

Psalm 23 showcases God as a shepherd.  David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, conceives and expresses the mind of the Lord and his concern and diligent care for those who follow him. God’s children are the cherished objects of his divine love.  He cares for each of them as a father cares for his children and as a shepherd for his sheep.  For example, in Psalm 28:9 David prays to God (Save your people and bless your inheritance, be their shepherd and carry them forever). 

God as a shepherd enjoys the praise and thanks of His people and pasture – Psalm 79:13.  So in Psalm 23 David could say because the Lord is his shepherd:

·                     He shall not be in want which means that he will not lack anything necessary for God’s will to be accomplished in his life, and that he will be content in his good shepherd’s provision and care for his life even  in times of personal hardship because he trust in His love and His commitment to him.

·                     He makes him lie down in green pastures, which means God’s presence and nearness as a shepherd gives him peace and freedom from all fears.

 ·                     He restores his soul which means when he becomes discouraged Psalm 42:11) the Lord revives and re-energizes him through His power and praise.

·                     He is with him

·                     He prepares a table

·                     Goodness, love and mercy shall follow him, which means he receives constant help, kindness and support all the days of his life.

THE PICTURE OF THE SELFISH SHEPHERDS IN EZEKIEL 34:1-10,

This passage reveals how God abhorred the prophets and the shepherds of Israel.  The shepherds mentioned in this chapter were personification of the leaders of Israel.  It includes the Kings, Priests and the Prophets who were God’s chosen people to lead by taking care of the flock of God.  Instead, they were greedy, corrupt and selfish and failed to lead God’s people in the way He wanted.  They rather exploited the people (verse 3) and used them for personal gain instead of helping them spiritually. (verse 4)

On the contrary, God referred to David as shepherding the flock of God with a heart of integrity, Ps 78:72.

 Jesus is pictured as the good, (John 10:11) the great, (Heb. 13:20) and the chief shepherd, (1Pet5:4) as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jer. 23:1-6).  All that David said of God as the case study of shepherding is demonstrated by Jesus in John 10.

 THE ROLE OF THE COP LEADER

The role of the Pastor, Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Elder, Deacon and Deaconesses and every other leadership office in the Church is that of a shepherd just as it was in the Old Testament.

 In Ephesians 4 these gifts of personalities are described as equippers of the saints and it carries the idea of shepherding (Acts 20:17, 28, Titus 1:1-7, 1 Pet. 5:1, 2).

Since we are called to shepherd God’s flock to enable them enjoy the closeness of God and so have God close to them, we will need to be good shepherds.  A close look at the Church today will clearly reveal that many of our flocks are wounded unhealthy and not responsible members of God’s family.  As shepherds we will need to make them to know the God of the living.  The good news is that Jesus Himself is the chief shepherd and has left us a legacy of shepherding. Hence His shepherding style should be our example/emulation.

The true picture of the shepherd is described in Isaiah 40:11. He picks up the lamb to protect it, carries it close to His heart so that the sheep can say “I shall not want”.

  ·          Like Jesus we should have authority as shepherds (John 10:1).  Here Jesus was certain of His authority as a shepherd.  He knew His Job and the responsibilities that went with it.  Likewise, we as church leaders should be sure of our call to be shepherds of God’s flock and must be conversant with the responsibilities that go with it. 

 ·         The character of this challenge is highlighted in 1 Tim. 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-7. 

 ·         Our authority and sufficiency are of Christ.  We should not be thieves or just hired hands (Ezekiel 34:2-6).  We are commanded to feed the flock (John 21:15-17, 1 Pet. 5:2, 3).  The description of the believer or the members/saints as lambs implies three things: they need pastoral care, constant feeding on the Word of God and since they are weak and prone to danger of the salvage wolves, they will need guidance and ever presence of the shepherd with them.

·         It means we should know the sheep by name (Jn. 10:3). This calls for personal relationship. We need to understand the challenges of the flock and help them overcome them.  Visiting and sharing would be needed.  Ezekiel 34:3 gives a picture of wrong shepherding.

·         He (the shepherd) leads the sheep (Psalm 23:2-3, John 10:3b).  It means he directs them to God’s Word and also helps them to feed on it.  As we lead the sheep, we may spot danger, i.e. wild beast. This is a metaphor meaning false teachers (Acts 20:29).

·         He is prepared to die for the sheep (John 10:11, 15, 17-18).  He protects the sheep (John 10:10) Sheep are attacked often by snakes, wild beasts, thieves and armed robbers.

·         He guards against false teachers.  We need to give them balanced diet.  Members should be thought to have personal Bible studies.  Each one should be encouraged to read. 

These questions will help:

 ·         What have I learnt about God today? 

·         What have I learnt about myself?

·         Is there a sin to forsake?

·         Is there a commandment to obey?

·         Is there a warning to heed?

·         Are there promises to claim?

BIBLE EXPOSITION

Eph. 4:11-12 – Pastors/Teachers should give good Bible exposition not to take a text out of context we should encourage expository studies instead of sermons.  Encourage them to have group Bible studies.

ENGAGE THEM IN MINISTRY

“How do we recruit our leaders?  Do we wait for gifted personalities to turn up and volunteer their services?  That’s not Jesus’ method.  Like him, we need to take the initiative in spotting quality leaders.  So we need to assess people’s potential.  Are they growing disciples, hungering after God and willing to follow him wholeheartedly?  Are they open to teaching and being equipped as servant-leaders?”[3] 

It means they should be mature enough to be mobilized for the growth of the Church.  The members should be assigned some specific assignments to help the Pastor to pastor the whole congregation. For example, cell leaders, visitation group leaders, etc. (Eph. 4:11, 12).

SHEPHERDS’ REWARDS

We would be rewarded by a special crown of glory- 1 Pt. 5:1-4.  Other crowns are:

·         Joy (1 Thess. 2:19) R

·         Righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8),

·         Life (James 1:12)

·         Imperishable (1 Cor. 9:25)

 His shepherding qualities as showcased in Psalm 23 and John 10. 

  THE PASTOR AND THE LOCAL AND DISTRICT PRESBYTERY

The Presbytery is the governing body of the District.  It is to be made up of mature and spiritual men – 1 Cor. 3:1-5, James 3:13-17, 1 Tim. 3:1-7.

The Pastor is the Chairman of the District Presbytery and ought to be a visionary.  Elders, deacons and deaconesses are the other members of the Presbytery.

 FUNCTIONS

The functions of the District Presbytery include:

·         See to the management of the District.

·         Maintain discipline – Titus 3:10.  He will meet with different people and need to know how to discipline them; he may adapt methods used by teachers.

·         Equip the saints – Eph. 4:11-16

·         To refuse wrong doctrines – Titus 1:9-11

·         The District Presbytery must take good care of the Pastor

 THE PASTOR AND HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS PRESBYTERY

·         He should try to avoid conflicts – It shows immaturity of all presbytery members including the Pastor.

·         He must share his vision

·         He must communicate well

·         He must remember the rules of encoding and decoding

·         Feedback is very important. He must remember that we need wisdom.

·         He must work towards getting the inner circle, that is, Executive Committee, to his side as far his vision is concerned.

HOW TO TRANSMIT

·         Discuss key issues on a one-on-one basis

·         Brainstorm with the Executive Committee members, get their feedback and shape the vision

·         Take to the Presbytery.

 THE PASTOR AND THE GROWTH OF THE LOCAL CHURCHES

The pastor is the driver who drives the car (the church).  The numerical and conceptual growth and the expansion and extension of the church will all depend on the role of the Pastor. His presence, direction and care of the local Assembly will enable it to grow and so affect the District and the Church at large. Because of these:

·          He should do his best to shepherd the local churches.  He needs to know the Presiding Elders and all the Elders in the local assemblies very well and have special relationship with them.  This will enhance good communication links and thus build trust and reduce distrust.

·         He should build them to know their worth by visiting them at least, once a month to give leadership training to equip them to become good shepherds.  Topics like commitment, the role of the leader are very important.

·         He should put up structures in order for the locals to report monthly through the Presiding Elder. 

·         He should be able to visit the local assemblies instead of just calling for district joint services and sometimes visit some of the members in their homes at the local levels.  In fact the members in the local assemblies should accept him as their shepherd not as a visitor (Papa).

·         He must organize eventful programmes which will meet the need of the local assemblies and should see to cultural relevance of whatever he does.

·         He should be an example to the flock in order for the flock to see God in him and so bring them close.

·         He should encourage the local assemblies to engage themselves in Bible studies.

 CONCLUSION:

God himself has proved in His Word that He is a shepherd who cares for His children. Jesus has demonstrated to us that he is a good shepherd. This honourable responsibility has been entrusted to us. The grace His gives us for the work abounds to us so if we rely on Him He will give us the grace to fulfill His purpose concerning His flock. Let us do the work not because we must, but because we are willing, knowing that the Chief Shepherd will give us a crown of glory. (1 Pet. 5:2,4).  The God of the living is our God and with him we can be successful.

 References