shepherds

Have you ever wondered what God wants the church to look like? Lately I’ve run across passages of scripture about body ministry, and the equipping function of the 5-fold ministry. Last night the Lord led me to a passage about pastors.


In Jeremiah 23 we read about “shepherds”, which in our translation is the same word for our pastors. Israel’s shepherds were not taking care of their sheep, and the Lord was dealing with them through His prophet Jeremiah. The first 4 verses show the Lord’s heart for His flock and can be summarized in what His shepherd-heart would provide for them. He wants care given, and for the people to be fruitful and multiply. God does not want any to be terrified or afraid. And He says “nor will any be missing.”

Some of this sounds familiar, doesn’t it. In Jeremiah the continuing verses of Chapter 23 are about the Messiah and that His people will “live in safety.” (verse 6). Jesus is our example of a good shepherd, and the reason some of the verses from Jeremiah seem familiar is that Jesus performed them, or spoke of them.

Jesus tells us that, as the “good shepherd”, He cares for, or “lays down” His life for the sheep. (Jn 10:11). The model to follow is that of preferring the needs of others, and their safety, before the desires of those who are leading.

Jesus’ desire is that we are fruitful. In fact, it is the Father’s glory that we “bear much fruit,” (Jn 15:5 & 8). This lines up with the call of the 5-fold ministry to “prepare God’s people for works of service,” (Eph 4:12a).

If sheep feel secure they will not be afraid. Jesus asks us to trust our heavenly Father and “let not your hearts be troubled,” (Jn 14:1). Just as a shepherd would cause his sheep to trust him, so a pastor will cause God’s people to put their trust in the Lord.

When Jesus prayed to the Father on behalf of His disciples He revealed more of His shepherd’s heart. “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that the scripture would be fulfilled.” (Jn 17:12).

I believe that God is still setting shepherds over His flock; men and women who care, protect, cause people to trust in God, and work with them to bear fruit and multiply. He has not changed His standard. He looks for those who stray from the flock, and we should too. He ministers to His flock so that none are lost, and we should too. God is profoundly caring, to the end that we all are built up into Him in maturity and unity.

God’s standards for each one of us have not changed with the times. Let us not see His people casually, nor work amongst them carelessly. Our fruit is His glory. As shepherds and other members of God’s 5-fold ministry let our hearts be about bringing the fruits of others to perfection. Amen.