by mmenke » Tue Jan 28, 2014 8:15 pm
As Laniak closes his biblical survey of shepherding with observations in the book of Revelation, I found my own sense of greater revelation concerning the shepherd metaphor for leadership in Scripture. As Laniak observes, our Savior is depicted as "a conquering royal Lion-Shepherd who is, ironically, a slain Lamb" (235). The followers of this Shepherd-Lamb now live in the very presence of God and are typified by what Laniak calls "a summary of discipleship in Revelation:" "They follow the Lamb wherever he goes" (Rev. 14:4) (242).
The shepherd metaphor well describes the function of a pastor. As Laniak concludes, "Pastors are generalists" (247). Their role of leader is comprehensive. manifesting different roles as the needs of individual congregants demand.
As Laniak closes his biblical survey of shepherding with observations in the book of Revelation, I found my own sense of greater revelation concerning the shepherd metaphor for leadership in Scripture. As Laniak observes, our Savior is depicted as "a conquering royal Lion-Shepherd who is, ironically, a slain Lamb" (235). The followers of this Shepherd-Lamb now live in the very presence of God and are typified by what Laniak calls "a summary of discipleship in Revelation:" "They follow the Lamb wherever he goes" (Rev. 14:4) (242).
The shepherd metaphor well describes the function of a pastor. As Laniak concludes, "Pastors are generalists" (247). Their role of leader is comprehensive. manifesting different roles as the needs of individual congregants demand.