Because of the odd dimensions of a sheep's body they're
unable to pick themselves up if they roll over on their backs.
WE NEED SHEPHERDS!
Why SHEPHERDS are needed...
- They keep a lookout for predators and protect their sheep from attackers.
- They care for the wounded sheep and nurse them back to health.
- They rescue the sheep that become lost or trapped.
- They spend time with their sheep, guiding them to places of nourishment and rest.
The RESULT?
- Trust and relationship that keeps the sheep following the shepherd.
- The sheep are attuned to the shepherd's voice to the point that even if they were temporarily mixed with another herd, at the call of the shepherd, they would separate & follow him.
Pastors are called SHEPHERDS...
- Their calling and gifting are much like those who care for sheep.
- They are called and gifted to care for the spiritual well-being of a local body of God's people.
- Pastors are first and foremost servants...(servants of God and His bride, the Church.)
- Pastors are given a mixture of abilities by GRACE that allows them to serve the needs of an entire community.
The Pastor's goal...
- Reveal the glory of God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit!
- This is achieved by TEACHING the Word of God to the church. (Ephesians 4:11)
- By teaching the Scriptures to the church, the pastor feeds the "sheep" of God. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9)
The Holy Spirit helps the Pastor...
- ...Humbly teach the church, guid them, protected them and lead them in the mission that God has for His church, namely THE GREAT COMMISSION.
- ...Keep the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the center of his life and ministry.
- ...Walk in his place of spiritual authority through the power of the Holy Spirit.
There is a tremendous difference between PREACHING for a church and SERVING as a Pastor. I love Peter's interpretation of this in 1 Peter 5:2-4
"Feed the flock of God which is among you taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
SIX BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE PASTOR...
1. FEED THE FLOCK
- Pastors must TEACH The Word of God.
- There's a big difference between having to say something and having something to say!
- Studying the Word of God is demanding but it is essential to feeding the flock.
- Just any sermon won't do! It must be a message from God's Word that is needed by the body at that time!
2. LOVE THE FLOCK
- It is one thing to be given the title of "pastor" but it is quite another to be give the trust of the people. A good shepherd will give their life for the sheep.
- You cannot fake real love for people! Either you do or you don't!
- Love is always the first step in leading.
3. LEAD THE FLOCK
- The Pastor must seek and share the plan or vision of God for the church.
- The writer of Proverbs tells us that "where there is no vision the people perish."
- Not everyone wants to be led...but a Pastor must continue to lead!
4. KEEP THE FLOCK TOGETHER
- Resolving conflicts and uniting various personalities under one goal consumes a large amount of energy and time!
- Facing multiple forms of conflict causes many Pastors to want to flee instead of staying and solving the problems.
- To be a part of a significant work of God one will have to weather many storms and trials!
5. TEND THE FLOCK
- Psalm 23 is a good example of what a SHEPHERD does in the lives of his sheep.
- Shepherds provide general oversight, according to Ephesians 4:12 - to PERFECT the saints for the WORK of ministry.
6. PROTECT THE FLOCK
- A Pastor not only deals with sheep, he must also deal with WOLVES. Paul warned the leaders at Ephesus about the wolves that would seek to destroy the flock.
- A Pastor must not only PREACH THE TRUTH, he must EXPOSE ERROR. This is why we must reprove and rebuke. One day, Pastors will give an account to God for they they executed their role.
Final thoughts...
There will be times when you will fall over on your back and will need a SHEPHERD to help you back up on your feet. #everyone needs a shepherd.
