There are ironically many
models or methods in the church today concerning shepherding. While the act of
shepherding is presented clearly throughout the Bible it is Jesus who provides
the ultimate example. As mentioned previously there are many methods to shepherding
the people of God, yet there is but one teaching. This should not be surprising
as there is but one faith, bible, Lord, but many denominations or methods of
practice. This is not to suggest there are no absolutes or undeniable mandates
for the follower of Christ but rather it is to suggest that there are many
individuals. While there is one standard for the follower of Jesus, there
are many teachers and interpreters of the standard.
New Testament's Teaching
on Shepherding Others
This essay will focus on the practice and training of
shepherding others through the New Testament. There are many rich and wonderful
parables or analogies to be gleaned from the Old Testament for sure but here
the focus will be on Jesus as our example. The term “shepherd” is not always
the term used in our churches today but the role of the pastor is synonymous
with shepherd. “In fact, the English word ‘pastor’ comes from the Latin word ‘pastor’ which
means ‘shepherd.’ There is little doubt, then, that the biblical model of
pastoral ministry consists of elders functioning as shepherds.”[1]
So it becomes clear that the biblical role of the pastor has a much farther
reach then preaching and teaching.
Unfortunately for some pastors Jesus is the example of
what a shepherd or pastor looks like. This is certainly not an attempt to lump
all pastors into one stereotype, it is instead an honest examination of the
Western pastor. Society demands our pastor where a crown, or a tailored suit in
place of the shepherds crook and a sweaty brow. With Jesus as our standard of a
shepherd one can rest assured that suffering is also a requirement for the
role. This is in stark contrast with the mega-wealthy pastor of our day. “We
don’t naturally take on tasks that do not profit us (‘not for shameful gain’)
or that we cannot ensure will go our way (‘not domineering over those in your
charge’). We don’t naturally want to get close enough to model faithfulness in
suffering.”[2]
It must be stated again that this is not a judgement against all or perhaps
even most.
One does not need to research the New Testament long to
find out that Jesus’ definition of shepherding is closely associated with
sacrifice. The Apostle Paul provides many examples of shepherding through his
own imitation of Christ in both suffering and concern. “His letters to the
churches displayed the heart of a man who had labored many long hours in caring
for God’s people. In fact, he refers to his suffering and labor amid people as
the credentials that prove his calling by God in opposition to those who used
earthly impressiveness to prove theirs.”[3] The
key point here is that continuing to add to the ninety-nine is a righteous
pursuit but it cannot come at the dismissal of the one who wanders.
Shepherding Models
Must Fits Within the New Testament Model
After interviewing a local pastor it became clear that
with interpretation comes stylistic approaches. Without referring to a specific
passage many pastors still model the methods of Christ in their own way or
style. Counseling for example is a hot topic in the churches today and
rightfully so. Some local pastors have admitted to not being as savvy in the
area of counseling as they ought. This has not hindered them from getting their
flock to a shepherd that has the skill and proficiency to serve in this area. “The
pastor is also taught to be conscious of, and to cooperate with, other agencies
and individuals in the community who help people with problems, such as
doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, teachers, social workers, court
officers, and lawyers.”[4]
This approach is reminiscent of the disciples inability to cast out a demon
from a small boy and then relying on the master Shepherd (Mark 9:17-29), albeit
under humble terms.
In the passaged just mentioned Jesus does tell his
disciples that “these kinds can only come out by prayer.” This is a telling
statement for today’s pastor in that, if you bring someone to another you are
still to serve as a pastor and pray for them. In fact, the shepherd who wants
to show his or her love for their God can look to their care of the flock
before the growth of the ministry or the performance of Sunday service. “This
post-resurrection appearance concluded with Jesus asking Simon Peter three
times, ‘Do you love me?’ The response to Peter’s affirmations of love were
‘Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep.’
Peter was reminded that he had been called to serve Christ by being a servant
who feeds the flock.”[5]
Peter’s interaction with the resurrected Christ is a vivid reminder that our
love for God is put on display by our love for His people and not our own
personal greatness.
Approach to
Ministerial Counseling
While counseling is but one of the facets or requirements
of the shepherd it is one that has been overlooked and underserved. Firstly, a
foundation must be set in simply understanding the role of the shepherd is not
one for the timid. There is no room for quitting when the situation or person
gets difficult or even unreasonable. “For example, a shepherd takes care of his
sheep even if they run off, just as God and Moses did not abandon the
Israelites during the forty years of wandering in the desert, despite their
constant complaints and rebelliousness.”[6] Often
counseling is a metaphor for chasing after the one in order to bring them back
to the ninety-nine. This can be frustrating to the hired hand who has failed to
see the flock with the eyes of a true shepherd.
Protecting and boasting over the ninety-nine healthy and
safe sheep is missing the mark of shepherding. This is where counseling comes
in and marks the path to return to the flock and begin the process of
restoration. “Shepherding in the Judeo-Christian tradition includes at least
three other functions: sustaining, guiding, and reconciling. Pastoral care
includes more than pastoral counseling: all phases of the church's life are
involved.”[7]
Counseling acts as a starting point to restoration. The frustrating question is
the obvious one at this point: So what is counseling? A new book could be
written every week and provide a new description each time. The pastor’s role
is to honor God and follow the example of Christ. For Jesus the answer is found
in sacrificial love.
[1]
GCU Lecture 2. 2016. "IHTH-611 Pastoral Theology." Grand Canyon
University. Phoenix.
[2]
Pierre, Jeremy, and Deepak Reju. 2015. The Pastor and Counseling: The Basics
of Shepherding Members in Need. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 26-27.
[3]
IBid, 27-28.
[4]
Ninaj, Bess. 1957. "Ministerial Counseling." Ministry
International Journal For Pastors. April. Accessed April 10, 2018.
https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/1957/04/ministerial-counseling.
[5]
Wilder, Michael S., and Timothy P. Jones. 2011. "Life as a Shepherd
Leader." Southern Equip. Accessed April 10, 2018.
http://equip.sbts.edu/2014/06/03/life-as-a-shepherd-leader/.
[6]
Aranoff, Gerald. 2014. "Shepherding As a Metaphor." Jewish Bible
Quarterly 42, no. 1 36-38, 37. Academic Search Complete, EBSCOhost
(accessed April 10, 2018).
[7]
Fairchild, Roy W. 1991. "The meaning of hope in the task of shepherding."
Church & Society 81, no. 3 61-72, 63. ATLA Religion Database with
ATLASerials, EBSCOhost (accessed April 10, 2018).
