Be shepherds over the flock God has entrusted to you. Watch over it as God does: Don’t do this because you have to, but because you want to. Don’t do it out of greed, but out of a desire to serve. Don’t be rulers over the people entrusted to you, but be examples for the flock to follow.
1 Peter 5:2-3 GW
Elders in the faith who are motivated by the love of God care for God’s children. They follow Christ’s example.
They don’t do it for what they’ll get out of it. They don’t do it for money, power or to maintain control or employment.
A hired hand isn’t a shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep. When he sees a wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and quickly runs away. So the wolf drags the sheep away and scatters the flock. The hired hand is concerned about what he’s going to get paid and not about the sheep.
John 10:12-13 GW
Why is God leading people back to home fellowships? Why are people leaving institutional Churchianity in search of something that better meets their needs? Because people need to feel cared for. They need shepherding.
There’s nothing wrong with teaching truth. Teachers are necessary. Where have all the pastors gone? Institutional religion turns well meaning pastors into the CEOs of an event center with weekly concerts and TED talks. They are understaffed and overworked. There’s scarce time or energy to visit the homes of the flock they care for. All the activity is centered on bringing people to the event center instead of equipping the people to do the work of ministry in their daily lives.
Let’s meet people where they’re at. Let’s minister to their needs. Let’s multiply the number of lay pastors exponentially and train and equip them to care and lead well.
Christ is our example. Not the Pharisees.
Prayer Points
- Forgive the religious rulers in your life who have been a bad example and neglected caring for the people God entrusted to them.
- Pray that the spiritual blindness of the wolves in sheep’s clothing would be removed. Pray that they repent publicly.
- Ask God to place true shepherds in your life to care for you and to equip you for ministry.
Father in Heaven, we forgive everyone who led us astray, whether intentionally or in ignorance. We don’t want to retain any offense and run the risk of becoming bitter. Fill our hearts with Your love, Your peace and Your kindness. Help us to walk in love towards everyone. Raise up a new generation of leaders in Your Church who serve like Jesus does. Lead us by Your Spirit to do Your will in Your way with Your heart. Amen.
Don’t be rulers over the people entrusted to you, but be examples for the flock to follow.
1 Peter 5:3 GW
Recommended reading: 1 Peter 5 and John 10.
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