Using two passages from the New Testament—Matthew 4:1-11 and John 21:15-19—Henri Nouwen offers us a profound reflection about the type of leadership Christ wants for his church.
All tagged shepherding
Ephesians 4:1-16 and its Implications for Ministry
When leadership fulfills its role, churches grow not only numerically but also in knowledge and spiritual maturity, which results in unity and peace. Otherwise, contentions and divisions take place.
Thoughts on Elders as Shepherds
Many elders are frustrated because all they do is act as a board of directors. Instead of being in the lives of their flock, they’re spending time in meeting after meeting.
Reflection Roundup: Stormy Bank or the River?
Can anyone else relate to the image of crossing a river, standing on stones you’ve just thrown into the river from the comfort of the riverbank?
Visiting the Sick
As more things open up, many hospitals are once again allowing visitors. But some Christians are not sure how to visit the sick. They feel a little intimidated.
Reflection Roundup: Trauma as Teacher
Because of your protection, I sing. I stay close to you; your right hand supports me.
A Time to Speak, Part 2: Hiddenness
How do we respond to abandonment as ministers and Christian leaders? I don’t like talking about abandonment, and my first instinct is to find excuses.
Three Things Church of Christ Elders Do Well
The elders in most of our churches today are deeply devout individuals with amazing spiritual maturity.
Elders in the Fish Tank
I’ve been working on an elder selection process at our church, and I’m struck by a startling truth: appointing elders is just like setting up a fish tank.
When Worship Leaders Stink
Our role isn’t to “force worship” upon our people, but to prompt them out of the sheep pen and into a space where the kingdom of God does its transformative work.
Appointing Quality Elders
Unless we reconsider our traditional handling of the biblical texts on elders, we may stall these selection processes before they even begin.
The Wool We Wear (Part 3)
The third (and most annoying) way to end narcissistic shepherding is through the willingness to not shepherd. At least not that sheep at that time.
The Wool We Wear (Part 2)
“Find the lost sheep!” we cry in our pre-rescue briefing, night-vision goggles on and machetes raised.
The Wool We Wear: A Series on Shepherding Well (Part 1)
Any Christian, of any measure of maturity, is called to model Christ as shepherd.
What to Say When There Are No Words
Those of us who accept the responsibility of spiritual leadership have high expectations placed on us. But these three things will make a difference.
On Being Elders
In seeking to find the essence of what it means to be an elder for a local congregation, it is helpful to focus on three things—being, doing and process—framed in three key questions.
Sharks, Life, and Jesus
Hard things happen to those you lead, so help them be ready. Pray for your flock, speak truth into their lives, keep them connected to you and to others in their community of faith.
Shepherding When Sin Strikes
Every church leader has witnessed it: one of the members of their church community gets caught it sin. They were caught in their sin and are desperately seeking your advice and counsel.
Job Description for a Shepherd
Our work as shepherds requires us to attend to our own life and walk before God even as we continue to develop the skills necessary to provide care for our congregations.
A Meditation on Psalm 23
So today I will say yes instead of no to what is gained in darkness. I will take my hands off my ears and stop closing my eyes to the invitation to intimacy that is found uniquely in darkness.