Shepherding the Flock

Seven Defining Qualities of Christian Leaders Today

Introduction

In the realm of Christian leadership, the metaphor of the shepherd is profoundly significant. A good shepherd cares for, protects, and guides their flock, embodying the virtues and responsibilities essential for spiritual leadership. This imagery, deeply rooted in scripture, provides a timeless blueprint for those called to lead. In today's complex and rapidly changing world, these shepherding qualities remain as vital as ever. Great Christian leaders who exhibit these traits inspire and guide their communities with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. Let's explore the seven characteristics of good shepherds that are evident in all great Christian leaders today.

 1. Compassion

A good shepherd is filled with compassion for their flock, understanding their needs and pains. Jesus, the ultimate Good Shepherd, demonstrated this trait numerous times, such as in Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Pope Francis exemplifies compassion in numerous ways that resonate with contemporary society. From the very beginning of his papacy, he has emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of the marginalized and oppressed. His approach to leadership is deeply rooted in empathy and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

One of the most notable examples of Pope Francis's compassion is his work with refugees and migrants. In 2013, shortly after becoming Pope, he visited the island of Lampedusa, a primary entry point for migrants and refugees fleeing conflict and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. During his visit, he mourned the deaths of those who had perished trying to reach safety and called on the world to show solidarity and compassion towards migrants. He said, “We are a society that has forgotten how to weep, how to experience compassion.”

 2. Guidance

Providing clear and faithful guidance is another hallmark of a good shepherd. In John 10:3-4, Jesus describes the shepherd who calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Pastor Rick Warren, founder and senior pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, is a contemporary example of a Christian leader who provides clear and faithful guidance to his congregation and beyond. Through his teaching, writing, and personal example, Warren has helped countless individuals find purpose and direction in their lives.

One of the most notable contributions of Rick Warren to Christian guidance is his book "The Purpose Driven Life," which has sold over 35 million copies worldwide. This book offers a 40-day spiritual journey, providing readers with a practical, step-by-step approach to discovering and living out their God-given purpose. Warren's ability to distill complex biblical principles into accessible, actionable steps has made a profound impact on individuals seeking to understand their place in the world.

Pastor Rick Warren's dedication to offering biblically-based counsel and direction exemplifies the role of a good shepherd in providing guidance. His work helps individuals understand their purpose, make informed decisions, and live out their faith in practical, impactful ways. Through his leadership, Warren has become a trusted voice, leading many to follow Christ with confidence and clarity.

 3. Protection

A shepherd’s duty is also to protect the flock from harm. Jesus highlighted this in John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Pastor Tim Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, exemplified the protective role of a good shepherd throughout his ministry. Keller, known for his intellectual rigor and deep theological insight, consistently worked to protect his congregation from spiritual and moral dangers by grounding his teachings in biblical truth and engaging thoughtfully with contemporary culture.

 4. Sacrifice

Sacrifice is at the heart of shepherding. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross is the pinnacle of this characteristic. In John 15:13, He states, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Dr. Kent Brantly, a Christian physician and medical missionary, exemplifies the sacrificial love of a good shepherd through his work during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014. His story is a powerful testimony to the lengths to which Christian leaders will go to serve others, even at great personal risk.

In 2013, Dr. Brantly, along with his family, moved to Liberia to serve as a medical missionary with Samaritan's Purse, a Christian humanitarian organization. He worked at ELWA Hospital, providing medical care to a population with limited access to healthcare. His decision to leave a comfortable life in the United States and serve in a developing country was already a significant sacrifice.

When the Ebola outbreak began in 2014, Dr. Brantly chose to stay and treat those infected with the virus, despite the extreme risk to his own health. He was one of the few doctors available to care for Ebola patients, demonstrating a profound commitment to his calling and the well-being of the people he served.

In July 2014, Dr. Brantly contracted the Ebola virus while treating patients. His condition rapidly deteriorated, and he faced the very real possibility of death. Despite his illness, Dr. Brantly’s faith and dedication to his patients remained unwavering. He later received an experimental treatment and was evacuated to the United States for further care, where he eventually recovered.

Dr. Brantly’s story has inspired many to consider how they can serve sacrificially in their own lives. His book, "Called for Life: How Loving Our Neighbor Led Us into the Heart of the Ebola Epidemic," co-authored with his wife Amber, details their journey and the sacrifices they made in the pursuit of loving and serving others. This account has motivated others to explore medical missions and other forms of sacrificial service.

 5. Patience

Patience is essential for a shepherd, as they often deal with the wandering and stubbornness of sheep. In Psalm 23:2-3, the psalmist praises God, the Shepherd, for His patient guidance: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”

Great Christian leaders show patience in their ministry, understanding that growth and transformation take time. They walk alongside their followers, providing continuous support and encouragement, even when progress seems slow.

Eugene Peterson, pastor, theologian, and author of "The Message" Bible translation, is a notable example of a Christian leader who embodied patience throughout his ministry. Peterson's pastoral approach was deeply rooted in the belief that spiritual growth is a gradual, lifelong journey. He often likened this journey to a pilgrimage, where the focus is not merely on the destination but on the experiences and transformations that occur along the way. His teachings and writings reflect a profound understanding that genuine spiritual maturity cannot be rushed; it requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to engage with God through all seasons of life. Through his patient guidance, Peterson has inspired countless individuals to pursue a deeper, more enduring relationship with God.

 6. Humility

Humility is a core trait of a good shepherd. Jesus washed His disciples' feet as an act of humility and service in John 13:14-15: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Today’s Christian leaders lead with humility, recognizing that their authority comes from God. They serve others selflessly, often behind the scenes, and prioritize the well-being of their flock over their own ambitions.

Mother Teresa, known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta, is a profound example of humility and servant leadership within the Christian faith. Her life of service to the poor, sick, and marginalized in the slums of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India, exemplifies humility in action.

7. Faithfulness

Finally, a good shepherd is faithful. In 1 Peter 5:2-4, leaders are urged to “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; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

Faithful Christian leaders demonstrate unwavering devotion to their calling and to God. Their consistency and integrity inspire trust and respect within their communities, providing a stable foundation upon which others can build their faith.

Nicky Gumbel’s life and ministry exemplify faithfulness in Christian leadership. His unwavering commitment to evangelism and discipleship, visionary leadership, innovation in ministry, personal integrity, global impact, and dedication to prayer and spiritual growth serve as a powerful example of what it means to be a faithful shepherd of God’s people. Through his faithful witness, Gumbel encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, embrace new opportunities for evangelism, and live with integrity and devotion to God’s purposes.

Conclusion

The seven characteristics of good shepherds—compassion, guidance, protection, sacrifice, patience, humility, and faithfulness—are timeless virtues that define great Christian leaders today. These leaders embody the essence of shepherding, nurturing their communities with the same care and dedication that Jesus exemplified. By following these principles, they continue to lead others towards spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. In a world that constantly changes, the steadfast presence and guidance of such leaders offer a beacon of hope and faith, inspiring others to walk in the path of righteousness.

Soli Deo Gloria

Humility in a World of Ambition

Embracing Humility in a World of Ambition

Insights from "The Imitation of Christ"

In a culture that often celebrates ambition, success, and self-promotion, the call to humility as advocated by Thomas à Kempis in "The Imitation of Christ" may seem counterintuitive. Yet, as we delve into the depths of this timeless wisdom, we encounter a profound truth that challenges our modern notions of greatness and success.

The injunction to "have a humble opinion of one’s self" and to "love to be unknown and be esteemed as nothing" (pp. 4-5) stands in stark contrast to the prevailing culture of self-aggrandizement and self-promotion. In a world where social media metrics and career achievements often serve as measures of worth, embracing humility can be both mentally and practically challenging. It requires us to confront our innate desire for recognition and validation and to relinquish our attachment to worldly acclaim.

Yet, the mental and practical conflicts that arise from attempting to live according to this rule are precisely what make it so transformative. Embracing humility invites us to shift our focus from self-promotion to selfless service, from seeking accolades to seeking the good of others. It challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and to find fulfillment not in the applause of the world but in the quiet satisfaction of living a life of purpose and meaning.

When Thomas writes, "He is truly great who is unimportant in his own eyes and considers the greatest of honors a mere nothing," he is echoing the teachings of Jesus Himself. In Matthew 23:12, Jesus declares, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This paradoxical wisdom reminds us that true greatness lies not in the pursuit of worldly success but in the humble service of others.

Is it possible to reconcile such teachings with worldly success? Indeed, the path of humility does not preclude success in the traditional sense. Rather, it redefines success in terms of character, integrity, and service. As we embrace humility and cultivate a mindset of selflessness, we may find that true success is not measured by external achievements but by the depth of our relationships, the impact of our actions, and the legacy of love we leave behind.

In conclusion, the call to humility as espoused by Thomas à Kempis challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and embrace a countercultural way of life. It invites us to reject the fleeting accolades of the world in favor of a deeper, more enduring greatness found in humble service and selfless love. As we navigate the tensions between worldly ambition and spiritual humility, may we find wisdom and strength in the timeless teachings of "The Imitation of Christ."

Soli Deo Gloria

David's Heart and Solomon's Mind

Examining David and Solomon's Reigns

In the annals of ancient Israelite history, few figures loom as large as David and Solomon. These two kings, father and son, are celebrated for their leadership, wisdom, and contributions to the establishment and splendor of the Israelite monarchy. Yet, their reigns were marked by distinct strengths and weaknesses, each offering unique insights into the nature of kingship.

David: The Warrior-Poet King

David, the shepherd boy anointed by the prophet Samuel, rose to prominence through his valor, faith, and charisma. His reign is characterized by military triumphs, spiritual depth, and a passionate devotion to God. David's strengths lay in his unwavering faith, his ability to unite a divided kingdom, and his poetic expressions of worship found in the Psalms. However, his weaknesses, notably his moral failings, such as his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah, tarnished his legacy.

Despite his flaws, David's repentance and humility before God set him apart. His kingdom became known as a golden age of Israelite history, revered for its military prowess, cultural achievements, and spiritual fervor. David's willingness to acknowledge his faults and seek forgiveness exemplifies his profound understanding of human frailty and the need for divine mercy.

Solomon: The Wise and Wealthy King

Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, ascended to the throne with the weight of his father's legacy upon his shoulders. Renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and architectural achievements, Solomon's reign is often synonymous with prosperity and peace. His strengths lie in his legendary wisdom, exemplified by the famous judgment of the two women claiming to be the mother of the same child, and his ambitious construction projects, including the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem.

However, Solomon's insatiable appetite for wealth and power led to his downfall. His accumulation of wives, alliances with foreign nations through marriage, and indulgence in luxury goods eventually eroded the unity of the kingdom and provoked divine judgment. Despite receiving divine wisdom, Solomon faltered in his personal life, succumbing to idolatry and straying from the covenant established by God with his forefathers.

Contrasting with King Saul:

In contrast to David and Solomon, King Saul, the first anointed king of Israel, exemplifies the pitfalls of kingship when driven by insecurity, disobedience, and a lack of faith. Saul's strengths, such as his initial military victories and charismatic leadership, were overshadowed by his pride, jealousy, and impulsive decisions that led to his downfall. Unlike David and Solomon, who both exhibited humility and reliance on God, Saul's reign was marked by disobedience and a failure to fully trust in the Lord.

While David and Solomon faced their own share of trials and moral failings, their legacies endure as testaments to the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of repentance and divine grace. Their reigns, marked by triumphs and tribulations, offer timeless lessons on leadership, faith, and the pursuit of righteousness.

In conclusion, the lives of David and Solomon, with their strengths and weaknesses, stand as enduring examples of the complexities of kingship and the human condition. Despite their flaws, their legacies continue to inspire and challenge generations to come, reminding us of the importance of humility, wisdom, and faithfulness in leadership and life.

Soli Deo Gloria

The Paradox of Leadership

Being a Follower and a Leader

In the intricate tapestry of leadership, there exists a paradox a delicate balance between being a follower and a leader. This paradox is beautifully encapsulated in Jeremiah 10:23, which reminds us that as leaders, we are ultimately followers of God's guidance and direction. It is He who leads us individually and as a group, shaping our paths and guiding our decisions.

A good leader, therefore, is one who embraces this paradox with humility and grace. They understand that true leadership is rooted in servanthood a willingness to follow the footsteps of the ultimate Servant-Leader, Jesus Christ. In leading others, they strive to bring their followers into a direct personal relationship with Christ, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of wisdom, strength, and guidance.

Central to the role of a good leader is a steadfast focus on the vision and mission of Christ for this world. They align their leadership with His purposes, seeking to advance His kingdom and bring glory to His name. Their leadership is characterized by integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Moreover, a good leader understands the importance of grooming others to take on leadership responsibilities. They invest in the development and empowerment of their followers, equipping them to fulfill their God-given potential. Like Paul did with Timothy, they mentor and disciple emerging leaders, imparting not only knowledge and skills but also a genuine concern for the well-being of others (Philippians 2:20-22).

In the realm of spiritual leadership, a good leader is one who works wholeheartedly for the common good of the body of Christ. They cultivate authentic connections with people, engaging with them spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. It is through this genuine connection that they inspire trust and confidence, leading others to willingly serve and follow.

Ultimately, the mark of a good leader is not found in titles or accolades, but in their ability to embody the paradox of leadership to be both a humble follower and a visionary leader. They lead by example, walking in the footsteps of the greatest Servant-Leader who ever lived, and inspiring others to do the same. As we embrace this paradox and strive to lead with humility, integrity, and compassion, may we reflect the heart of Christ and advance His kingdom in all that we do.

Charisma – II

The song I Surrender All was written by Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896 when he was struggling with the direction his life should take. He wondered whether to study the Arts or to go into full-time evangelism. It was at this crucial point in his life that he surrendered his life to God to serve as an evangelist. The Holy Spirit inspired him to write this song, which has become an anthem for many evangelists when they call for those souls who have surrendered their lives to Christ all over the world.

There are some people who emerge as spiritual leaders with special gifts that God uses as instruments to speak directly to us of the word of God. These spiritual gifts take a lot of personal effort to build and develop. It is through a continuous process of refinement in our spiritual lives and our commitment to Christ that these gifts are developed.

• Teaching
• Leading
• Healing
• Prophesying
• Speaking in tongues

Charisma

In today’s world the word charisma is used in many different contexts. There are many who view it as personal appeal or magnetism. Is charisma about style, power or money? Are people viewed as being charismatic because of the car they drive, the clothes they wear, or the circle of friends they move in? Beauty seen only externally could have repercussions on our own sense of self-worth. We may be led to have a false image of ourselves or to believe we have certain limitations which make it impossible to live spiritually. 

 St. Paul does not view charisma as being the self confidence that exudes from us because we are a trendsetter or the best in our field. The charisma St. Paul refers to is the spiritual gifts God gives us, which He uses for the building of the church (Romans 12: 1-10). These gifts will be evident in a person’s life, work and virtues. It is through these gifts that we as fellow believers come to know and experience at some point a spiritual dimension of Christ. The song We are one in the spirit, We are one in the Lord comes to mind as I think of the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit helps us develop. The chorus says They will know we are Christians by our love. It is by the love for our Lord Jesus Christ that we are all bound together as one. Our God-given spiritual gifts enable us to care for one another and unite us in the one Body. How do we bring out the latent gifts and talents God has given us for the growth of those around us and ourselves? St. Paul identifies the gifts that all of us can easily work on building up within us as:    

Loving - Jesus highlighted His ministry with the commandment for his disciples to love God and their neighbors. Charles Wesley wrote the hymn “Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?” It is when we realize the full extent of what Christ did for us that we will be able to effectively express our love for God and our neighbors. In 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 St. Paul says that all our gifts maybe done away with but the greatest gift we have, love, will stay with us forever. 

Forgiving - It is critical for Christians to forgive those who have hurt them in some way. It is very difficult to build a relationship within the Body of Christ if we carry these burdens of resentment and grief with us. They always come back to haunt us. We need to show mercy just as God has shown mercy to us. St. Paul is calling us to cheerfully show mercy and forgive. 

Encouraging - A Christian should encourage fellow believers to follow in the way that God has set before them. Encouragement is the ability to get the children of God moving despite their setbacks to do the will of God. Barnabas was one who had this exceptional gift and was credited with having mentored and encouraged St. Paul in the initial stages of his new life in Christ. 

Giving – I am reminded of the drummer boy who had nothing to offer the baby Jesus but his heart and drumbeat, and the most famous parable of Christ where the widow’s mite was considered as being generous. St. Paul says that we should give with simplicity and not make a big show of what we have done. When we keep account of how much we are giving we become more focused on that, leading to pride in our giving. It is not important how much we give in the world’s eyes. What is important is how much we sacrifice in God’s eyes. 

Serving – This is a gift where we serve those who are in need because we feel the Holy Spirit within us prompting us to reach out to them. When James and John asked Jesus if they could sit on the thrones next to Jesus, the disciples were clearly distressed with that request. Jesus clearly indicated that leadership must start with servanthood on earth. Jesus said that He gave his life on earth to serve and not to be served (Mathew 20:20-28). The gift to serve is exemplified in the lives of Mother Teresa who cared for the dying, and President Carter who builds for the homeless. They dedicated their lives to serve specific groups of people who are in need. 

 It is when people see these gifts manifested in us that they will see the need to become fellow believers. They will clearly see that we live lives not for own glory but to bring glory to Christ Jesus by following the way he has set before us. As we grow spiritually do we find ourselves being blessed with multiple gifts? Do we see new ways that enable us to build the body and help to groom others who have similar gifts? It is through the process of developing our spiritual gifts that we become more conscious of the needs of those around us. When we realize the need for each other, and that we belong to one another, that we come to experience the unity in the Body of Christ.