How can we recognize "My flock" in our church community today?

◄ How to identify "My flock" in church? ►

The Shepherd’s Heart in Ezekiel 34:9

“Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD.” (Ezekiel 34:9)

• The LORD addresses earthly leaders but keeps ownership of “My flock.”

• His concern is protection, nourishment, and faithful oversight (vv. 10–16).

• That same ownership guides how we identify His flock in a modern congregation.

Key Marks of God’s Flock Today

• They know the Shepherd’s voice. “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)

• They rest in the finished work of Christ. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1)

• They hunger for sound doctrine. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” (Acts 2:42)

• They walk in obedience. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

• They show sacrificial love for one another. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers.” (1 John 3:14)

• They manifest Spirit-produced fruit. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23)

• They persevere under trial. “The one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

Practical Ways to Look for These Marks in Our Congregation

1. Listen during teaching and conversation—do members delight in Scripture or in trends?

2. Observe response to correction—do they repent or push back against the Word?

3. Notice care for the weak—meals delivered, hospital visits, prayer chains.

4. Track participation in worship and prayer gatherings—sheep gather where food is served.

5. Evaluate relationships—are differences handled with forgiveness and humility?

6. Watch giving patterns—generosity toward gospel work signals trust in the Shepherd.

Guarding Against False Indicators

• Numbers alone: crowds can form around false shepherds (Ezekiel 34:5-6).

• Charisma of leaders: smooth speech can mask selfish motives (Romans 16:18).

• Busy programs: activity without spiritual fruit can exhaust real sheep.

• Personal preference groups: cliques fracture the flock (1 Corinthians 1:12-13).

Encouraging the Flock Once Identified

• Feed them continually with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

• Model servant leadership—“not lording it over those entrusted to you” (1 Peter 5:3).

• Equip every believer for ministry so no sheep remains idle (Ephesians 4:11-16).

• Pursue wandering members quickly, reflecting the Shepherd who seeks the lost (Luke 15:4-7).

• Celebrate evidences of grace, reminding the flock that they are “His people, and the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3).