I keep saying that leadership in God’s Church is not about power, position, or politics. It’s about walking with God and helping others do the same. That’s because everyone in God’s Church already has access to the unlimited power of the Holy Spirit. James and John showed us that even Jesus would not select who would be seated at the positions of his right and his left. Plus, leaders in God’s church are not elected. They are called, they follow, they are selected, and they are recognized for their roles in Christ’s Body. This is all because of their responsibility. Their responsibility is not to gather people who will follow them. Their responsibility is to care for God’s Flock.
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:2-4 NIV)
Shepherds normally care for their own sheep. Shepherds in God’s Church care for God’s Sheep. Shepherds usually train their sheep to recognize their own voice. Shepherds in God’s Church are called to help the sheep recognize God’s voice. Shepherds in God’s Church are always working themselves out of a job as they help people learn to walk by the Spirit. When they do, they are listening to the Chief Shepherd. Who is this Chief Shepherd? Jesus.
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." (John 10:11-18 NIV)
How about you? Do you recognize the Chief Shepherd’s voice? Who taught you to recognize it? Have you thanked them? Do you follow it? Are you a part of God’s Flock?
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