How can believers support their leaders to avoid the pitfalls in Ezekiel 34:10? Text Under Consideration “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand My flock from them and prevent them from tending the flock. The shepherds will no longer feed themselves, for I will deliver My flock from their mouths, so that they will not be food for them.’” (Ezekiel 34:10) Recognizing the Pitfall • Self-indulgent leadership that exploits rather than nourishes • Neglect of the flock’s true needs • Loss of God’s trust and eventual removal from ministry Why Leaders Need Support • Even godly shepherds can drift toward self-focus under pressure (James 3:1) • Spiritual attacks intensify against those guiding others (1 Peter 5:8) • Healthy churches result when leaders and members labor together (Ephesians 4:16) Practical Ways Believers Can Help • Pray consistently—intercede for wisdom, purity, and resilience (1 Timothy 2:1-2) • Speak encouragement—refresh weary hearts with timely words (Proverbs 25:11) • Offer constructive feedback—lovingly point out blind spots (Proverbs 27:6) • Serve alongside—share ministry tasks so leaders aren’t overloaded (Acts 6:2-4) • Honor them—esteem godly labor while keeping accountability (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) • Give generously—meet material needs so they can focus on shepherding (Galatians 6:6) Cultivating Accountability • Establish elder plurality; no one voice dominates (Acts 14:23) • Use transparent financial practices; invite regular audits (2 Corinthians 8:20-21) • Encourage mentors and peer relationships outside the local body (Proverbs 11:14) Encouraging Servant Hearts • Celebrate sacrificial examples, not celebrity status (Mark 10:42-45) • Invite leaders into everyday relationships—not just the pulpit (1 Peter 5:2-3) • Model humility yourselves; the flock’s spirit shapes its shepherds (Philippians 2:3-4) Sharing the Load • Volunteer skills—administration, teaching, hospitality, mercy (Romans 12:6-8) • Form prayer teams specifically for leadership covering • Rotate duties that tend to sap leaders’ family time Guarding Against Isolation and Temptation • Provide safe spaces for honest confession without gossip (James 5:16) • Encourage rest and sabbath rhythms; fatigue breeds compromise (Exodus 20:8-10) • Protect them from flattery and favoritism; truth in love keeps hearts steady (Proverbs 29:5) Keeping the Word Central • Demand Scripture-saturated preaching and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2) • Test every decision by the plain meaning of God’s Word (Acts 17:11) • Study alongside leaders, fostering mutual submission to truth Fruit to Expect • Leaders remain shepherds after God’s own heart—feeding, guiding, guarding (Jeremiah 3:15) • The flock matures, displaying unity and love (Ephesians 4:13) • God’s name is honored, and the church stands as a light rather than a warning (Matthew 5:16) |
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