SHEPHERDING

The divine ability to care for the spiritual needs of a group of believers and equip them for ministry. The ability to nurture a small group in spiritual growth and assume responsibility for welfare. 1 Peter 5:2

DISTINCTIVES

• Guide people and give direction

• Care for people; lead and protect them from difficulties

• Help people grow in their faith

• Walk with people for a long period of time; ongoing stability

• Oversee others; naturally responsible for others

• Strive to lead others through obedience by teaching and modeling; tending to needs.

• Encouragement and teaching are often other gifts that accompany shepherding.

• Shepherds know that they are actually “under shepherds.”

• Truthful and honest people about their walk.

CAUTIONS

• Don’t abuse your authority by over-protecting.

• Don’t view people as projects. There is a tendency to think there is a schedule in people’s growth; there is not. It is in God’s time.

• Don’t become too independent; a pride of self-sufficiency sets in.

• Submit yourself regularly to the master shepherd for guidance.

• Watch for gossip; people will trust you and only repeat appropriate information.

• Watch for shepherding burn-out because of your desire to carry burdens; don’t assume responsibility for the situations of others.