How can we apply Ezekiel 34:5 to modern church leadership roles? The Heart of the Verse “ They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered, they became food for all the wild beasts.” (Ezekiel 34:5) Identifying the Modern Parallels • Sheep = congregation members who need spiritual care • Shepherd = pastors, elders, ministry leaders charged with oversight • Scattering = drift into error, burnout, isolation, or abandonment of fellowship • Wild beasts = false teaching, worldly pressures, predatory influences Why the Warning Still Matters • Jesus calls Himself “the good shepherd” (John 10:11) and entrusts under-shepherds to guard His flock (1 Peter 5:2-4). • Neglect from leaders invites havoc, just as Paul foresaw: “savage wolves will come in among you” (Acts 20:28-31). • Healthy churches stand or fall on whether leaders actually shepherd, not merely hold titles. Core Responsibilities for Today’s Shepherds • Feed sound doctrine – Titus 1:9: “holding fast to the faithful word… that he may exhort with sound doctrine.” • Guard against predators – Acts 20:29-30: protect from men “speaking perverse things.” • Seek the straying – Matthew 18:12-14: leave the ninety-nine to find the one wandering. • Bind up wounds – Ezekiel 34:4 contrasts bad shepherds who “have not bound up the broken.” • Lead by example – 1 Peter 5:3: “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples.” • Rely on the Chief Shepherd – John 21:15-17: “Feed My sheep” comes after personal restoration and love for Christ. Practical Steps for Local Churches • Establish clear elder accountability: shared oversight prevents neglect. • Keep shepherding personal: regular visitation, hospitality, and genuine conversation. • Train and multiply leaders: equip deacons, small-group leaders, and mentors. • Maintain doctrinal clarity: periodic teaching on core beliefs guards against wolves. • Cultivate prayer and dependence: leaders model reliance on God, not programs. Warning Signs to Address Quickly • Chronic absence of leadership presence among members • Sermons heavy on stories, light on Scripture • Lack of discipline when error or open sin surfaces • Burnout indicators in leaders: isolation, cynicism, moral compromise • Congregation feels like spectators rather than cared-for family Encouragement from Christ the Chief Shepherd • He seeks the lost (Luke 19:10) and empowers us to do the same. • He equips leaders through the Spirit (Ephesians 4:11-12). • He promises a “crown of glory” for faithful shepherds (1 Peter 5:4). • His presence ensures the flock can thrive even in a hostile culture (Psalm 23:1-4). Applying Ezekiel 34:5 today means refusing passive leadership. Instead, pastors and elders actively guard, feed, and gather the flock under the loving authority of Christ, so no believer is left scattered or devoured. |
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