How Many Shepherds?

Actually, everyone should be a shepherd—in other words, everyone should care for others. We need to strengthen the friends and remind them to have care for one another. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. Our ministry as a shepherd is only strong and effective to the degree we have a relationship with the Chief Shepherd. The goal is to work in such a way that all of the friends get a relationship with the Chief Shepherd. It is extremely important for a shepherd to live his life in the first love and make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The Chief Shepherd will reveal Himself in such a heart so there will be food in God’s house. For there to be peace in a church, it is vital that the sheep receive food when they come together. Then they will be naturally drawn to our gatherings. Good shepherds work to help everyone come into their own allotted portion in the body and work there. Then the whole body will be strength­ened.

A shepherd should be well acquainted with his flock. Then he will be able to bring the right food at the right time. “And the Lord said, ‘Who then is that faithful and wise steward whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?’” Luke 12:42. There is one shepherd’s ministry and a stewardship in the outer court and another in the Holy Place. It is important to be aware of that. “Everything that can endure fire, you shall put through the fire, and it shall be clean; and it shall be purified with the wa­ter of purification. But all that cannot endure fire you shall put through water.” Num. 31:23. It is important to exercise stew­ardship in your work as a shepherd. If you don’t keep this in view, it is easy to commit grave transgressions and become too involved in people’s personal lives.

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” 1 Pet. 5:5-6. In all our relationships in the church, it is critical to un­derstand this law so that we submit to each other. When we submit, we avoid many conflicts.

It is very important for the older ones in a youth group to start becoming shepherds for those who are younger and to have a good relationship with the leaders in the church. It is important for the leader to have fellowship with those who work with the children and young people. Let them sense that they are appreciated, and make them feel included in the whole work. Have faith for them individually, and let them know it. Paul exhorted every man—not just a few select ones. It’s very important that everyone feels included.

Shepherds must listen closely to people’s testimonies so that they can recognize when something starts going off course. Make use of those who have a good relationship with these people and let them work with them.

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock . . . .” 1 Pet. 5:2-3. We must be watchful and maintain oversight, but we must do it in such a manner that everyone recognizes that our heart is for the sheep.

“But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24. In the midst of his ministry, the shepherd must continue in humiliation and sanctification and be working on his own salvation. “There­fore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28.

The people we work with are souls whom Jesus won with His own blood. Be careful, and have a heart for each indi­vidual. Lead them to the springs of water and to the green pastures so they get nourishment and can grow. Protect them from the ravenous wolves who destroy and damage. Jesus commanded us to watch and feed the lambs and sheep. They must have well-balanced food so that they can grow.