In what ways can church leaders emulate God's shepherding described in Ezekiel 34:15? Setting the Scene God contrasts false shepherds with His own faithful care in Ezekiel 34. Verse 15 sums up His heart: “I Myself will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.” Church leaders are called to mirror this divine pattern. Key Verse “I Myself will tend My flock and make them lie down.” (Ezekiel 34:15) Core Shepherding Actions to Emulate • Personal oversight – “I Myself will tend.” Leaders must know the flock individually (John 10:3, 14). • Provision of nourishment – Shepherds feed on solid doctrine, not opinion (Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:27). • Facilitation of rest – Creating safe, peaceful environments where believers grow (Psalm 23:2; Matthew 11:28-29). • Protection from predators – Guarding against false teaching and divisive influences (Acts 20:28-30; Titus 1:9-11). • Recovery of strays – Pursuing the wandering with patience and truth (Ezekiel 34:16; Luke 15:4-7). • Healing the injured – Applying Scripture’s comfort and correction to wounds (Isaiah 61:1; James 5:14-16). • Just governance – Exercising authority fairly, honoring the weak and restraining the abusive (Ezekiel 34:20-22; 1 Timothy 5:20-21). How These Actions Look Day-to-Day 1. Intentional Presence ▪ Regular visitation, genuine conversation, remembering names and stories. ▪ Availability in crisis, not delegating compassion. 2. Consistent Feeding ▪ Expository preaching that unfolds “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). ▪ Small-group settings where believers digest truth together. 3. Promoting Rest and Safety ▪ Clear communication of expectations and boundaries. ▪ Culture of grace that resists legalism and fear. 4. Active Defense ▪ Vetting teachers and materials. ▪ Addressing error swiftly, lovingly, publicly if needed. 5. Pursuit and Restoration ▪ Tracking attendance and engagement to notice drifting souls. ▪ Restorative discipline aimed at reconciliation (Galatians 6:1). 6. Wound Care ▪ Counseling rooted in Scripture’s sufficiency (2 Timothy 3:16-17). ▪ Mobilizing the body to meet practical needs (1 John 3:17-18). 7. Fair, Courageous Leadership ▪ Upholding standards equally for all. ▪ Protecting victims, confronting bullies, refusing favoritism (James 2:1-4). Encouragement for Leaders “He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24) As leaders lean on Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), His perfect example empowers their imperfect efforts, bringing the flock into green pastures and true rest. |
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