In what ways can we avoid being "shepherds" who neglect God's flock? Key Verse Ezekiel 34:2 – “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not shepherds feed their flock?”’” Recognizing the Heart of the Problem • Self-interest replaces sacrificial care • Neglect shows up in lack of feeding, guiding, and protecting • The sheep become scattered, weak, and vulnerable (Ezekiel 34:5–6) Cultivating a Shepherd’s Heart • Love the flock as Christ loves the Church (Ephesians 5:25) • Remember you are an undershepherd; Christ alone is “the chief Shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4) • Pray earnestly for compassion that mirrors the compassion of Jesus (Matthew 9:36) Feeding the Flock Faithfully • Teach the full counsel of God, withholding nothing (Acts 20:27) • Prioritize clear, Bible-saturated preaching and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2) • Provide personal discipleship—meet, listen, and open Scripture with individuals (Acts 20:20) Protecting Against Wolves • Guard doctrine vigilantly (Acts 20:28-30) • Confront error quickly, in love but without compromise (Titus 1:9-11) • Cultivate discernment through steady exposure to sound teaching (Hebrews 5:14) Leading by Example, Not by Force • “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3) • Model repentance, humility, and holiness (1 Timothy 4:12) • Serve willingly, not for personal gain (Ezekiel 34:3; 1 Peter 5:2) Knowing and Listening to the Sheep • Follow the pattern of the Good Shepherd who “calls his own sheep by name” (John 10:3) • Maintain approachable rhythms—hospitality, visitation, genuine conversation • Watch for signs of hurt, drift, or discouragement, then intervene promptly (Galatians 6:1-2) Staying Close to the Chief Shepherd • Abide daily in the Word and prayer (Joshua 1:8; John 15:4) • Seek accountability from fellow leaders (Proverbs 27:17) • Rest in Christ’s sufficiency; shepherding is impossible in human strength alone (2 Corinthians 3:5) Practical Next Steps 1. Schedule regular, measurable touchpoints with every member or attendee. 2. Review teaching plans to ensure balanced, Scripture-driven nourishment. 3. Establish doctrinal safeguards—statements, training, and processes for addressing error. 4. Build a shepherding team so no believer slips through the cracks (Exodus 18:21). 5. Evaluate personal motives frequently; repent of any hint of self-promotion or apathy. |
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