Healing Ministry: One of the vital responsibilities of shepherds is to take care of the health and healing of the flock. In Ezekiel 34, God addresses the failure of the leaders to shepherd the people by not strengthening the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. Laniak reflects, “Neglect in shepherding is tantamount to abuse. Without due diligence to the sick and strays- and healthy- a flock is quickly decimated� (152). In Ezekiel 34, Yahweh takes up the role as the shepherd who will tend the flock, bind up the injured, and strengthen the weak.
The old English word used for pastor was curate because the role of pastor to work for the cure of souls. We have the potential to do real spiritual abuse to those we are charged to care. Yet, we must embrace God’s healing in our own lives, so that we might be able to see our role as undershepherds who extend his binding up and healing work. Does our ministry led people in a healing way or in a hurried and hurtful way? There is such great value in leading our people to restorative rest and recovery by less rushing, ruling, and reacting.
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