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The Importance of Good Shepherds for Church Growth and Leadership

For any church to thrive under God's guidance, it is essential to have and continually pray for "Good Shepherds." Historically, this congregation struggled without shepherds for its first four decades, facing numerous spiritual challenges. Since appointing shepherds in 2000, while progress has been made, challenges remain. Successful church leadership requires shepherds who genuinely care for the sheep, aligning their goals with those of the congregation. Good sheep also play a vital role in this dynamic, as both must work towards spiritual growth together, striving for unity and appreciation in faith.

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The Importance of Good Shepherds for Church Growth and Leadership

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  1. For this or any church to grow, mature, and be what it ought to be to and for God, we need to have and continue pray for: "Good Shepherds"

  2. To my knowledge, for the first forty years of this congregation’s existence, it had no Shepherds. Certainly there were physical and spiritual “bumps in the road” that resulted. In truth, having Shepherds continually since 2000 hasn’t eliminated all the “bumps”- nor is such guaranteed for the future, despite all efforts to the contrary. So with regard to “Shepherds,” just appointing some isn’t all that’s necessary to insure success. So what is necessary?

  3. “Good Shepherds” who feel and act properly toward sheep. What’s Necessary for Successful Leadership in the Congregation? • “Good Shepherds” instead of “Hirelings” John 10:7-15. They: • Have the same goals for the sheep as does the Owner, v.10- that they thrive instead of just survive spiritually. cf. 1Tim.1:3-7; 4:4-10; 6:3-5 • Are willing to give themselves for the sheep, v.11. cf. Acts 20:17-27 • Are genuinely concerned with protecting the sheep, vv.12-13. cf. Titus 1:9-10; Acts 20:28-35 • Know the sheep, v.14a. cf. 1Pet.5:1-4

  4. “Good Sheep” who feel and act properly toward the Shepherds. What’s Necessary for Successful Leadership in the Congregation? • “Good Sheep” instead of goats, strays, and culls, John 10:7-15. They: • Enter through Christ, want to be saved, and desire spiritual sustenance, vv.9-10. • Are willing to be led, vv.3b,4b,5b. No one can shepherd wild hogs. Shepherds and sheep are supposed to want the same things. cp. 1John 4:1; Heb.13:17 • Know and Appreciate the Shepherd(s), vv.3-5,14b. cf. 1Tim.5:17-22; 1Pet.5:5

  5. We have good Sheep and good Shepherds. What’s the take home point (s)? • But we can all be better- always. • Don’t become complacent, Heb.10:19-25. • Continue to strive to work together for the common good, Eph.4:11-16. • Understand the value of and responsibility toward “other sheep” who can be brought in, John 10:16.

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