// The Nature of Shepherding

Shepherds of the Flock - Talk Handouts


 


Introduction


See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a
mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense
accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers
the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he
gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:10-11


Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will
lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15


Gentle, servant leadership


42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those
who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and
their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with
you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be
your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of
all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to
serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark
10:42-45


14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,
you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an
example that you should do as I have done for you. John
13:14-15


…not violent but gentle… 1 Tim 3:3


… not overbearing… Titus 1:7


Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who
live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. Gal 6:1


Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will
grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth… 2
Tim 2:25


Clear, directive leadership


Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy
Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,
which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28


He must manage his own family well and see that his children
obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.
(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he
take care of God’s church?). 1 Tim 3:4-5


Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season;
correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful
instruction. 2 Tim 4:2


These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and
rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus
2:14


Nature of authority


‘Ministerial’ / ‘Servant’ authority:


Wherefore there is no Rule of the Church, but what is
Ministerial, consisting in an Authoritative Declaration and
Application of the Commands and Will of Christ unto the Souls of
Men, wherein, those who exercise it are Servants unto the Church
for its Edification, for Jesus sake, 2 Cor. 4:5. John Owen


For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord,
and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Corinthians
4:5


1. The calls we give


Distinguishing between issues:


− Truth: right / wrong


− Moral: obedient / sinful


− Wisdom: wise / foolish


− Preference: like / dislike


 


2. The heart we have