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Shepherding Ministry OverviewShepherding in the church is tending to the welfare of Christ-followers by watching over, nurturing, and guiding them. Having assessed the condition of the flock, shepherds will do what is needful to lead them to a greater Christ-likeness. | |||||||||||||||||
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When shepherding is intentional, regular, and consistent . . . Communication is deliberate; Sheep are most productive when they are properly tended to (nutrition, protection, shelter, water) and cared for (affection) by the shepherd. The ultimate goal is that sheep produce wool, offspring, or good meat. So, the objective for the church is to help people become more Christ-like and bear fruit. This happens best through a shepherding ministry. Shepherding can happen at various levels, by people in different roles, and in different ways. Click on one of the venues below to take you |
![]() They need to be rescued and restored. ![]() They need to be led to green pastures. ![]() They need to be cared for and healed. ![]() They need to be comforted and encouraged. ![]() They need to be warned. ![]() They need to be guarded and protected. | |||||||||||||||||
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While each of the above may not be a primary shepherding ministry, they do involve an aspect of it and the person may take his/her role beyond to a deeper investment into the lives and welfare of those to whom he/she is ministering. A Network of shepherds: In reality, shepherding may be best facilitated by a network of shepherds within a church. As you can see in the images to the right, the needs of the flock are great and consequently shepherding is a big investment of time and effort into the lives of people. The pastoral staff cannot possibly provide personal and consistent care for each member of the body. | ||||||||||||||||||
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If shepherding comes from a variety of sources, or multiple avenues as listed above, as opposed to one shepherd over someone, it will:
The Chief Shepherd: Those involved in the shepherding ministry of the church are more like "under-shepherds." The sheep are not ours. They belong to the Lord. We need to remember that it is about Him, not us. He is the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4) who is good (Jn. 10:11) and great (Heb. 13:20) and the guardian of our souls (Heb. 13:20-21). We are vessels through whom He works. We simply provide the conditions conducive to growth and productivity. The Lord is the One who causes the believer to grow (1 Cor. 3:7) and to bear fruit (Jn. 15:4-5). | ||||||||||||||||||
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