How can church leaders ensure they "do not feed the flock" like in Ezekiel? Shepherds in Ezekiel 34: God’s Rebuke “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel and say to them, ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock?’ ” (Ezekiel 34:2) Ezekiel exposes leaders who: • Feasted on the flock’s resources • Ignored the weak and sick • Refused to seek the strays • Ruled with “force and brutality” (v. 4) Symptoms of Self-Serving Leadership • Self-promotion: prioritizing personal platforms over people (Ezekiel 34:2–3) • Neglect: failure to teach sound doctrine, leaving believers spiritually malnourished (v. 4) • Harshness: exercising authority without compassion (v. 4) • Abandonment: allowing sheep to scatter without pursuit (v. 5–6) Guardrails for Today’s Leaders • Feed, don’t consume – “Shepherd the flock of God among you…not under compulsion, but willingly…not lording it over those entrusted to you” (1 Peter 5:2–3). – Center every gathering on clear, expositional teaching of the Word (2 Timothy 4:2). • Strengthen the weak – “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). – Invest in discipleship, counseling, and practical help for struggling members. • Seek the straying – Follow Jesus’ ninety-nine-and-one model (Luke 15:4). – Keep accurate membership rolls; pursue absentees in love. • Lead by example – Paul: “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). – Model holiness, humility, generosity. • Exercise gentle authority – “A bruised reed He will not break” (Isaiah 42:3). – Correct with patience (2 Timothy 2:24–25). Practical Steps for Local Churches 1. Regular shepherd reviews—evaluate how elders are feeding, leading, guarding. 2. Shared pastoral load—plurality of elders prevents one man from hoarding power. 3. Open tables—leaders eat with members, listening more than talking. 4. Transparent finances—prove resources serve ministry, not luxury. 5. Ongoing training—equip current and future shepherds in biblical counseling, theology, and service. The Ultimate Shepherd Model “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) Jesus: • Knows His sheep by name (John 10:3) • Provides abundant life (John 10:10) • Gives Himself sacrificially (John 10:11) Earthly leaders avoid Ezekiel’s rebuke when they pattern everything after the Good Shepherd, relying on His Spirit to feed, protect, and cherish the flock entrusted to their care. |
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