What is heavy shepherding? Examples of heavy shepherding?
In contrast, is there light or no shepherding? What are the examples?
What are the biblical examples of good spiritual shepherding?
---------
These
are good questions.
Let
me repeat (I have said these many times) an important truth related to your
excellent questions.
-
The CHIEF manner an under-shepherd (a pastor) shepherd the sheep of Christ
(members of a local church under his oversight) is the faithful preaching of the
word of God. 2Tim 4:1-5.
-
The CHIEF way in which the rule of Christ is administered in a local church is
through the preaching of His word; His truth and His will is made known and
applied to His sheep.
-
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The word
faithfully preached is shepherding rightly discharged.
-
The public ministry of the word may need to be followed up/augmented by
personal ministry; some members may need to be reminded personally what has
been preached and speaks to their circumstances.
1.
Heavy Shepherding
a.
What is heavy shepherding?
-
Heavy shepherding is lording over the Lord’s people; infringing upon the
liberty of church members.
-
1Pet 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a
witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that
shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the
oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but
of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being
ensamples to the flock.
b.
Examples of heavy shepherding?
There
are endless examples…
-
“Brother John, it’s time for you to retire; resign and move to Penang.”
-
“Brother Bouy, look for another job that does not hinder you from the means of
grace.”
-
“Brother Won, invite Errol home for lunch.”
-
“Brother… tell your wife to dress decently.”
-
“Sister, your dress should cover your knees…”
-
Visiting homes of members unannounced/uninvited to check on their family life.
-
Checking with members how much they have been giving.
-
Using the pulpit to attack/pick on the members personally, etc.
2.
Is there light or no shepherding?
a.
Yes. Neglecting to instruct the people to embrace the doctrines, and the
practices of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not all activities in a church equal/
amount to biblical shepherding.
b.
What are the examples?
-
Neglecting to exhort the non-resident members to observe good churchmanship in
a local church.
-
Ignoring wayward church members.
-
Sweeping under the carpet problems and issues in the church.
3.
What are the biblical examples of good spiritual shepherding?
a.
The epistles of the Apostles are great examples of good spiritual shepherding…
-
All the epistles deal with doctrines (what the recipients ought to believe),
and the applications of those doctrines (how the recipients ought to conduct
themselves, their duties to God, and fellow believers.
-
Real issues faced by the church are discussed and resolved with the Bible’s
authority.
