Description

YOU MIGHT BE A SHEPHERD IF . . .

• You are a leader, not a follower.
• You are people-focused.
• You are good at creating and cultivating healthy relational
• You have a strong protective
• You have a genuine desire to help
• You are more of a disciple-maker than you realize.

THE GIFT OF SHEPHERDING . . .

• The one who has a shepherding heart is always leading.
  • Good shepherds consistently point to the green pastures and quiet waters.

"He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul."  Psalm 23:2-3a

• Because people are following you, be careful where you lead them.

• Good shepherds lead in the right

"He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."  Psalms 23:3b 

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6

• The one who has a shepherding heart is genuinely caring.
  • Shepherds are present, not distant.

"I am the good shepherd.  I know My own and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay My life down for the sheep."  John 10:14-15

• Shepherds step into moments of pain, rather than run from them.

• The one who has a shepherding heart is protective.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."  Psalm 23:4

• Shepherds create a culture of security.
• Shepherds guard against dangerous influences.
• Shepherds seek out those who are drifting and lost.
• Shepherds willingly make sacrifices for those in their care.

"I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."  John 10:11

HOW THE ENEMY CAN DISTORT OR ATTACK YOUR GIFT . . .

• You will be tempted by pride when you see people follow.
• You will be tempted to not deal with difficult issues for fear of hurting others.

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend;  profuse are the kisses of an enemy." Proverbs 27:6

• You are susceptible to developing a "Savior"
• You will be tempted to be jealous of other shepherds.
• You will be tempted to lead alone and do it all.

A WORD TO THE SHEEP . . .

• Be careful who you follow.

"The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy . . . He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.  He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep."  John 10:10a, 12-13