Collaboration
Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2022 11:56 am
On page 156, working through Ezekiel 34.17-24, Laniak notes that there is an animal hierarchy in a mixed flock with male sheep usually dominating females and goats naturally dominating sheep. Part of the responsibility of the under-shepherd in control of the flock is to work in collaboration with the males and goats in his leadership of the flock.
Lanik is speaking of sub-leaders who work in collaboration with the under-shepherd. In this passage from Ezekiel, these sub-leaders abuse the flock as much as the under-shepherd. However, the good news in this passage is that the Lord will also hold these sub-leaders accountable with the incredible promise of rescue, protection, and provision through one new shepherd appointed by the Lord (vv. 22-24). (Timothy S. Laniak, 2006, Shepherd after My own Heart, p.156)
Sub-leaders are usually present within churches, and their authority falls within two categories. Sub-leaders can have positional authority within a church holding a specific title or office, such as an elder, deacon, or staff. Sub-leaders may also have relational authority in a church. Sub-leaders with relational authority do not necessarily hold an official title in the church (they can and often do). However, their relationships within the church grant them authority as an icon to be consulted for various decisions as their approval or disapproval will carry significant weight with the congregation.
One of the under-shepherd's most essential and challenging works is the training and development of these sub-leaders. Sub-leaders who understand their position as working for and serving the flock at the initiative and calling of the diving Shepherd are a blessing to the flock and an excellent witness of God’s grace to others.
However, untrained sub-leaders typically operate based on their personal agendas, making them a source of division within the flock. The under-shepherd frequently find themselves embroiled in conflict, if not outright hostility from these sub-leaders.
Lanik is speaking of sub-leaders who work in collaboration with the under-shepherd. In this passage from Ezekiel, these sub-leaders abuse the flock as much as the under-shepherd. However, the good news in this passage is that the Lord will also hold these sub-leaders accountable with the incredible promise of rescue, protection, and provision through one new shepherd appointed by the Lord (vv. 22-24). (Timothy S. Laniak, 2006, Shepherd after My own Heart, p.156)
Sub-leaders are usually present within churches, and their authority falls within two categories. Sub-leaders can have positional authority within a church holding a specific title or office, such as an elder, deacon, or staff. Sub-leaders may also have relational authority in a church. Sub-leaders with relational authority do not necessarily hold an official title in the church (they can and often do). However, their relationships within the church grant them authority as an icon to be consulted for various decisions as their approval or disapproval will carry significant weight with the congregation.
One of the under-shepherd's most essential and challenging works is the training and development of these sub-leaders. Sub-leaders who understand their position as working for and serving the flock at the initiative and calling of the diving Shepherd are a blessing to the flock and an excellent witness of God’s grace to others.
However, untrained sub-leaders typically operate based on their personal agendas, making them a source of division within the flock. The under-shepherd frequently find themselves embroiled in conflict, if not outright hostility from these sub-leaders.