Shepherding Leadership
In UESI, we always find ourselves in the midst of new and younger graduates and students. They are not brought into our lives accidentally but God has ordained this situation and entrusted these dear ones under our care. Each one of us can fondly remember the first graduate who was introduced to us when we were students and most often this spiritual relationship grows from there. Even the matured need shepherding care for a healthy and growing spiritual life.
The Biblical Basis of Shepherding Care
The most commonly used metaphor of shepherd-sheep in the Bible depicts God as the shepherd and the community of God’s people as the flock. The kings, prophets and leaders were also called to shepherd the people. (2 Sam 5:2). Moses the first mass leader, asked God to give a leader to the people of Israel who will lead them after his departure, so that the people of God will not be like the sheep without a shepherd. (Num. 27:17). And, David views the Lord as the ultimate shepherd. (Psalm 23) Hence, shepherding is neither a new nor a New Testament concept only.
The need is always there around us. Each one of us have the responsibility to do the spiritual shepherd’s job as we have to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”
Shepherd Model of Christian Leadership
God said to David even before he was anointed as the king, “you shall shepherd my people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.” (2 Sal 5:2). Even a king who is powerful and has authority was expected to care for the citizens like a shepherd. Authority and power are given to be exercised in love and care. This shepherding leadership is portrayed by Paul and Peter in their writing about the church eldership. (1 Pet 5;1-4; Acts 20:28) Its summed up by Jesus the Good Shepherd.
(Jn 10). Thus, Leadership and Shepherding ministry are inseparable.
Do all have to do shepherding?
Yes, this is particularly true in the context of UESI. The need is always there around us. Each one of us have the responsibility to do the spiritual shepherd’s job as we have to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal6:2). The strong were urged to “bear with the failings of the weak” (Rom 15:1). Peter says that shepherding is God’s will and so we must do it willingly, not out of compulsion. (1 Pet 5:2).
Shepherds to watch over themselves first…
We often say that a graduate has to be a role model to the fellow graduates and students. We see this in many references as a great warning to the shepherds. “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock …” (Acts 20:28)
The primary qualities of a shepherd
Paul emphasises primarily the character (1 Timothy) and “ability to teach” (Tit 1:9). The shepherd must be knowledgeable in the faith, and must hold firmly to the biblical truth so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine. The emphasis is not on the preaching style, but the shepherd’s conviction and ability to defend the faith.
The duties of a shepherd
A shepherd has to guide, lead, feed, guard and protect the sheep. (Ps.23). A shepherd has to clean the wounds of the injured sheep and apply medicines too. This is similar to the pruning of the grape vine. A great caution is to be exercised in this process, with grace. (Gal 6:1-2) Though the process is painful it leads to fruitfulness in the longrun, shaping and moulding us. A shepherd has to strengthen the disciples, encourage them to remain true to the faith (Acts 14:21, Tit 1:9) and prepare the sheep to face the persecution (Acts 14:22).
We often talk about our glorious past, how God raised many shepherds through whom UESI ministry had flourished. But, the need of the hour is to find suitable ways of shepherding in the present age of modern technologies and busyness in our daily life.
Shepherding In the Context of UESI
Graduates visiting each other’s families has become a thing of the past. We need to find alternatives like meeting in a coffee shop, video calls, etc. But, the warm visits and spending time together at homes should be revived. Also, ministry has become predominantly comprising of programs at multiple levels – local, state and the national. These programs have its own unique place in our ministry but they should not replace the personal mentoring and caring amongst us.
How long is shepherding?
“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”(Rev 7:17). Until this day, let us patiently draw our strength from the Chief Shepherd and continue nurturing one another. We will be rewarded by our Chief Shepherd with the crown of glory that will never fade away.
– D. R Moses, Chairperson, NEGF
