Can we talk? That phrase has been known to create moments of panic in many relationships. It was used by comedians, particularly John Rivers, in the 1980’s to open blunt dialogue. I’m going to talk this morning about the roles of shepherds, sheep and leadership. That can be touchy.
This morning’s image is from some years ago. The lambing season at a local sheep farm is open to the public. It’s a beautiful time. To watch lambs, sheep and shepherds. To learn how they naturally interact.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is the head of the church. We are to follow Him.
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees—and the wolf snatches and scatters them— because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And I have other sheep, which are not from this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. John 10:11-14
Jesus has appointed godly followers to act as His under-shepherds. They have a God-given role of leading and protecting the sheep. The role of shepherd carries no more prestige than any other role in the kingdom, but it is an invaluable role.
Sheep without shepherds are lost. Sheep trying to lead other sheep become easy prey to wolves.
Too often, the sheep try to lead themselves, or a weak shepherd keeps asking the sheep to see what their perceived needs are. That’s people pleasing, not leading.
I’m not opposed to surveys and talking to the sheep. They can be valuable tools in assessing the current state and health of the flock. Our local assembly is currently going through an assessment of church health with the Affiliation we belong to. It’s good at times to do that. An objective outside perspective can be very healthy.
Still, constantly relying on the sheep for leadership is a recipe for disaster.
The shepherd’s job isn’t to pander to the self-perceived needs of the flock. It is to follow God’s leading, grow the flockand equip them for life. The shepherd is to be praying, discerning God’s will and teaching.
The shepherd leads, the sheep follow. That’s the order of things.
Can shepherds make mistakes? Of course they can, they are flawed like the rest of us. Can there be shepherds who were never called to the role but act like hirelings? Of course. Some people should never be in leadership of that sort.
Still, leaving the sheep to run the show without proper leadership is dangerous at best.
The sheep are to follow the shepherd as he follows the Good Shepherd. They need to be praying for their pastors and leaders and providing whatever support they can.
Do you have helpful input or suggestions? Then by all means share them with the shepherd, after praying about it and searching the Scriptures for yourself. All sheep have the Spirit. Your input has value.
Remember, though, that the direction God is leading His flock may not be the exact way you think it ought to be. Trust God to work through the shepherd.
Thank God for the under-shepherds He has given us to lead the way.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin
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SUMMARY
This devotional emphasizes the biblical pattern of Christ as the Good Shepherd and pastors as under-shepherds called to lead, protect, and guide the flock. While leaders are imperfect, the church functions healthiest when shepherds seek God’s direction faithfully and the sheep support them with prayer, discernment, and trust.
KEY POINTS
· Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and church leaders are called to follow His example in caring for and guiding the flock.
· Sheep need godly leadership, while pastors must lead by prayer, Scripture, and discernment rather than people-pleasing.
· Believers should prayerfully support their leaders, offer wise input humbly, and trust God’s direction for the church.
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All contents, “Gleanings From the Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2026 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, “Gleanings From the Word.” All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are from the Legacy Standard Bible® (LSB®), Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc.
From Gleanings From The Word (Kevin Corbin, 2001– ), a Scripture-based devotional work.
