How can we ensure our leaders align with biblical principles from Zechariah 11:16? Setting the Scene “For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will neither care for the perishing, nor seek the scattered, nor heal the broken, nor feed the healthy, but will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hooves.” What the Verse Teaches about Bad Leadership • Cares nothing for those who are “perishing” • Ignores the scattered—shows no interest in bringing back the straying • Refuses to “heal the broken” or bind wounds • Withholds nourishment from the “healthy” • Exploits the flock for personal gain, even to violent extremes A leader with these traits stands under God’s judgment (vv. 17, Woe to the worthless shepherd). Positive, Biblical Standards for Leaders (A contrast drawn from the negative list above, supported by other passages.) • Seeks the lost—Luke 15:4; John 10:11 • Gathers the scattered—Ezekiel 34:12; 1 Peter 5:2 • Heals the broken—Isaiah 61:1; James 5:14–16 • Feeds the flock—John 21:15–17 • Serves sacrificially—Matthew 20:25–28; 2 Corinthians 12:15 • Meets the character tests—1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9 • Models humility and accountability—Proverbs 11:14; Hebrews 13:17 Practical Steps to Ensure Our Leaders Align with These Principles 1. Test Character before Position – Compare potential leaders to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 checklists. – Look for a proven track record of caring for the vulnerable (James 1:27). 2. Examine Motivations – Ask: Do they serve for gain or for God? (1 Peter 5:2–3). – Watch how they handle criticism, money, and power. 3. Seek Evidence of Shepherding – Are the weak strengthened, the broken healed, and the wandering pursued? – Healthy sheep and restored lives testify to authentic leadership (Matthew 7:16). 4. Maintain Congregational Vigilance – Hold leaders accountable through Scripture, not personality (Acts 17:11). – Establish multiple elders or oversight boards (Proverbs 15:22). 5. Insist on Transparent Decision-Making – Light exposes wolves (John 3:20–21). – Require open financial records and clear doctrinal statements. 6. Cultivate a Culture of Mutual Submission – Leaders submit to Christ; members submit in turn when leaders follow Christ (Ephesians 5:21; Hebrews 13:7). 7. Pray for and Support Faithful Leaders – Intercession guards them from temptation (1 Timothy 2:1–2). – Encouragement helps them persevere (Galatians 6:6–10). Living It Out Zechariah 11:16 warns against shepherds who devour instead of deliver. By actively measuring candidates and current leaders against the positive biblical profile, engaging in ongoing accountability, and fostering a community grounded in Scripture, we help ensure that those who guide us reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd rather than the worthless one. |
    |