How can church leaders today ensure they are not "destroying and scattering" the flock? The Divine Warning in Jeremiah 23:1–4 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture! declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:1) • God holds leaders personally accountable for the welfare of His flock (vv. 2-3). • He promises to “attend to” negligent shepherds with judgment and to “gather the remnant” Himself (vv. 3-4). What “Destroying and Scattering” Looks Like Today • Teaching error, diluting or denying biblical truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Abusing authority—spiritual, emotional, sexual, financial (Ezekiel 34:2-4). • Neglecting pastoral care: no discipleship, prayer, or presence among the people (John 10:12-13). • Fostering division through favoritism, gossip, or partisan agendas (1 Corinthians 3:3-4). • Prioritizing personal platform over Christ’s glory (3 John 9-10). Positive Patterns for Protecting and Gathering • Feed the flock consistently with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Lead by example, not domination (1 Peter 5:2-3). • Guard against wolves: expose false doctrine, set healthy boundaries (Acts 20:28-31). • Pursue the straying sheep; celebrate restoration (Luke 15:4-7). • Equip saints for ministry so the body builds itself up in love (Ephesians 4:11-16). Practical Safeguards for Today’s Leaders • Stay personally immersed in Scripture and prayer; let God shepherd you first (Psalm 23:1-3). • Establish plurality and accountability among elders (Proverbs 11:14; Titus 1:5-9). • Maintain transparent finances and decision-making (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). • Provide regular, Christ-centered exposition rather than personality-driven messages (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). • Cultivate a culture of confession and repentance starting with leadership (1 John 1:7-9). • Invest in biblical counseling and member care teams to meet practical needs (Acts 6:1-4). • Measure success by faithfulness and spiritual maturity, not mere numbers (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Anchoring Everything in Christ, the Good Shepherd • Jesus “lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11); leaders imitate that sacrificial love. • He “knows His own” (John 10:14); leaders foster genuine relationships, not crowd management. • He will “shepherd the nations with an iron scepter” (Revelation 19:15); leaders remember they serve under His ultimate authority. • At His appearing, “you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4); faithful shepherding now reaps eternal reward then. |
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