A good shepherd knows how to protect the sheep in the fold. A good shepherd carries the staff to drive, guide, redirect, and protect the flock. The crook in the shepherd's staff is a great hook for the sheep that has fallen into the cracks and crevices of the rocky terrain in a wilderness such as many found in Israel. A good staff is a must for a shepherd leading a flock.
As a pastor, I am always aware of the many blessings of a staff. I have been blessed to have a great ministry and support staff at First Baptist Church. As I lead the church, I understand that my role is at times to be out front leading the charge and showing the way (As if to say, "ya'll come on and follow me!"). However, there are times when the shepherd must lead from the back of the pack and guide the flock by gentle nudges in this direction or that. The ideal shepherding location is smack dab in the middle of the flock. It is here that the shepherd has the opportunity to be most intimate with his flock while some are out front showing the way and some are still behind finding the way. It is in the middle of the flock that the pastor can equip, empower and encourage the flock to go, rest or graze. It is in the middle of the flock that pastoral needs are met and wounds are comforted. It is in the middle of the flock where the shepherd pastor can raise up under shepherds to assist in leading and loving the flock.
Every pastor has to employ different leadership modes at different times, but the one constant is that the pastor must always be following the Good Shepherd in order to lead the flock. Every day I pray that I may walk more closely to the Good Shepherd so that I may lead the church effectively and but also because I earnestly desire to walk more intimately with the flock God has granted me to lead.
The best leaders are first good followers!
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not be in want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside quiet waters.
He restoreth my soul;
He guides m in paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou hath anointed my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all
the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen
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