// Shepherding in Practice

Shepherds of the Flock - Talk Handouts


 


Paul’s example


− Activity (‘preach’, ‘taught’, ‘declared’, ‘testifying’,
‘preaching’, ‘proclaim’, v20-27)


− Content (‘not hesitated’ v 20, 27)


− Manner (‘humility… tears… testing’ v19)


− Motivation (‘I have not’ v33)


 


Paul’s command


− Keep watch (v28)


− Made overseers … to shepherd (v28)


− Church of God (v28)


− Savage wolves (v29-30)



Reflections


− Word and relationships


− Leaders and plurality


− Defending and flourishing


 


Shepherding and God’s plan of salvation


For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have
returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter
2:25


Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For
the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he
will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe
away every tear from their eyes.’ Revelation 7:16-17


2 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; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but
being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd
appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade
away. 1 Peter 5:2-4


Recommended Reading


D. A. Carson, The Cross & Christian Ministry : An
Exposition of Passages from 1 Corinthians (Leicester: IVP,
1993).


Timothy S. Laniak, Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral
Traditions and Leadership in the Bible (Leicester: Apollos,
2006).


John Stott, Calling Christian Leaders: Rediscovering Radical
Servant Ministry (IVP, 2021).


Paul David Tripp, Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in
the Church (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 2020).


Derek Tidball, Skilful Shepherds: Explorations in Pastoral
Theology (Leicester: IVP, 1997).