ShepherdLeader.com

“I can’t support the assumption that shepherding is simply about nurture and ‘pastoral care.’� Wow. This should not have been a newsflash for me, but it was. I have always considered myself more of a “shepherd� and less of an executive-type leader. But my concept of shepherd has been v...

“Leadership means looking for the lost. Shepherd leaders feel comfortable in places where sheep get lost. We need to know our way around tough neighborhoods, vacant lots, bars, and homeless shelters.� This challenges me. Today I met with a para-church ministry leader in Paterson, an inner-city a...

“Whatever the condition, shepherds can’t simply stand at a distance. They need to touch the sheep.� How am I doing at “touching the sheep�? Making eye contact and greeting in the lobby and office…emailing or texting to follow up on an expressed prayer need…lingering after services to j...

Challenged by this quote: “What do we feed those we serve? Are they getting frequent meals rich in nutrition, or is it old and trivial stuff?� For me, this is the difference between preparing well and coasting. The problem is, I have enough natural ability, and enough “old stuff� to coast. W...

I was struck by the answer that Laniak received from Abu-Jamal when he asked what it takes to be a shepherd: “What really matters is that you have the heart for it. If you do, you can begin tomorrow.� How many seminary students enter ministry without having the heart for it? The heart, first of ...