Sherpherd Leadership

Shepherd leadership theology is a relative new concept for me. The majority of my experience and study has focused on servant leadership within a faith-based nonprofit. I am excited to take this journey of comparing and contrasting scripture on shepherd leadership. The word “Shepherd” motif leadership can be found referenced in several Books of the Bible. One of the more common references to Shepherd is “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalms 23:1).

Shepherds’ Responsibilities

To start to explore scripture on “Shepherding,” I want to explore exactly what are the tasks of a shepherd. Who are the shepherds accountable to? While reading the following from Kaiser’s The ‘Shepherd’ as a Biblical Metaphor: Leadership in Psalm 23” left an impression on me, “shepherds lead from the front, while the shepherd is seen first as the one who blazes the trail for the sheep and has their care, nourishment, and protection as his primary concern.”

Shepherds’ Blaze

“... he goes before them, and the sheep will follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:4).

The comment of “blazes the trail,” or “goes before them” I never have thought of this as a primary duty. I grew up with sheep providing care, nourishment, and protection, but left sheep to graze on their own. But we had cleared fields and were fenced in to provide safety from predators. One other key factor in safety with raising sheep like pets (i.e., cats or dogs) is their “sense” of knowing whether to trust their caretaker.

However, when looking at Shepherd’s leading from the front as a motif throughout scripture, the Shepherd is the leader of the flock is referring to God. The flock is references to God’s followers. The Shepherd is the one who is taking steps ahead of the flock to ensure the flock is safe on a path. Also, the shepherd will provide a method to rescue the flock too. As verse four ends in Chapter 10 of John with “sheep will follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:4). As God’s flock we follow him because we know his voice from his word and teachings in the Bible.

As leaders of teams and/or coworkers each of us must “blaze” a path. The path is usually leading the team and/or coworkers to achieving a goal or task for the day. The path to the goal may not be easy because of the rocky terrain you may have to climb to the top of the steep mountain. Your team and/or coworkers will follow you on this rocky trail because of the sense of trust you built with each of the members.

Care-Nourishment-Protection

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalms 23:1)

To examine the other part of Kaiser’s statement the shepherd “has their care, nourishment, and protection as his primary concern.” As I mentioned previously, I grew up with sheep, providing for their care by ensuring there were veterinary visits and nourishment (food) were everyday activities. Besides ensuring there were fenced in fields to protect the sheep from predators were primary concerns for the flock.

God promises to provide for all of our needs whether physical or more importantly spiritual. God as our shepherd knows these are primary needs for survival of his flock that causes us stress and worries every day. If we are trusting and following the Shepherd as his flock, God’s promise in the most recognized Psalms “I shall not want” (Psalms 23:1) removes the need to worry. Personally, I know these words are easier spoken than to live by through our actions. Our trust in God (our Shepherd) as our protector is where each of us must strive to reach in our growth of followers (the flock) of God.

As leaders of teams and/or coworkers another responsibility is to ensure they reach the top of the steep mountain safety. You provided protection by ensuring there were not any loose rocks or unsettled ground, if so, you had the team avoid these areas. You looked for other paths that provided safe passage to the top of the mountain. You ensured there was enough nourishment for the physical need, but more importantly by words of encouragement and there to provide advice for the team.

Ultimate Nourishment

Scripture in Isaiah, “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are young” (Isaiah 40:11).

Each of us has the need for physical nourishment, but what the shepherd motif is applying to the need for spiritual nourishment. God provides this each day through our study of scripture.

Our prayer time with God is another way to continue to nourish our souls. The ultimate food for his flock is to his people by Salvation through the cross. Once we accept God as our Savior the Shepherd as accomplished the ultimate goal of all of his important duties of leading from the front, providing care, nourishment, and protection.

As team leaders providing shepherd leadership in our ministry or nonprofit organizations; this should be our ultimate goal of sharing the message and truth of God's word about Salvation. By ensuring to spread the gospel at each message or opportunities provided to us; we answer our calling. As Jesus instructed in Mark, “he said to them go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). As more people accept Salvation through the cross God is Glorified.

Conclusion

“Shepherd” motif leadership provides a dedicated person willing to “blaze” the path no matter how dangerous the trail. The leader is going to ensure their flock has the elements of survival – food, shelter, safety, care, and ultimate nourishment. As God is our Shephard, he “blazed” the trail for us (the flock) to at the cross with his crucifixion to provides us with Salvation. With all of God’s sacrifices he ensures grace and his promise as stated in Psalms, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalms 23:1).

Bibliography

Kaiser Jr. Walter. “The ‘Shepherd’ as a Biblical Metaphor: Leadership in Psalm 23,” in Biblical Leadership: Theology for the Everyday Leader, Biblical Theology for the Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2017.