-
Lesson OneWhat Does It Take to Be a Shepherd?8 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson TwoCompassionate Provision – Part I7 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson ThreeCompassionate Provision – Part II7 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson FourCourageous Protection – Part I7 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson FiveCourageous Protection – Part II7 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson SixCompetent Guidance – Part I7 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson SevenCompetent Guidance – Part II7 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson EightA Final Look at Shepherding8 Activities1 Assessment
-
Course Wrap-UpCourse Completion2 Activities
Participants 107
Share Your Thoughts
Share your response to the following questions.
-
“If you have the heart, you can begin tomorrow.” What does it look like to have a shepherd’s heart in the sense of a literal Bedouin shepherd? What does it look like to have a shepherd’s heart in your leadership context?
-
Having a shepherd’s heart as a Bedouin shepherd means being deeply committed to the well-being of the flock, and demonstrating patience, care, and resilience in the face of challenges. It involves being present and responsive to each sheep’s needs.
In my leadership context, this translates to building strong relationships within my team, actively listening, providing support, and celebrating successes. It requires humility and a focus on serving others, creating a culture of trust and collaboration. Ultimately, it’s about being invested in the growth and welfare of those I lead, ensuring they feel valued and supported.
-
Having humility and a servant’s heart is so important! Thank you for the reminder of humility. Working with sheep can be a dirty job, and serving others can get messy. It is important to remember that as a shepherd of people, we can easily become entangled in sin and the messes of life. Having humility helps us guard against that.
-
-
It’s more than just a job. It is a way of life. Who we are and how we act and react. Our focus is on the people, the flock. Their well being and growth not our notoriety or reputation.
-
A Bedouin shepherd loves and cares for his sheep almost as if they are his personal children, living out in the fields with the flocks for protection and provision. This shepherd sees the care of his sheep as almost an extension of himself, not as a job that lasts from 9-5. To have a shepherd’s heart in leadership requires me to look to Jesus’ example of shepherd leadership. He was willing to lay His life down for His sheep, His love for them was that great. I need to remember that shepherd leadership requires sacrifice, putting the needs of my sheep first (with good balance, of course). There are times when the weight of the stories of my people can get very heavy, just like the water-soaked wool of the sheep stuck in the ravine. With my focus on Christ, He will help me carry their weight and bring them to a safer place in their lives where He is able to meet their needs and care for them.
-
You have to remember that a sheep is not a smart animal. If water is moving they will be afraid and will not drink. To be a shepherd means you come to know your sheep and with compassion care for their every need. In the morning, you bring them out to feed and water. Then you spend the day, in the afternoon you feed and water them again, all the while watching for difficulties and predators in order to protect and nurture the flock. At night you place them in a pen and then guard them.
In our congregations, a true shepherd is involved to know how the sheep are doing. There are many ministries to care for and nurture the sheep of a flock. Yes, sometimes the flock will get testy, but a shepherd is patient and loving to his sheep.
-
To be a shepherd is not about to reach a position but willingness to serve, willingness to care, willingness to be around the flock, feed and nurture them and lead them.
