Following the Good Shepherd: What Jesus Teaches Us About Spiritual Leadership
Have you ever considered why Jesus chose to describe Himself as a shepherd? In a world obsessed with power and position, there’s something profoundly humble yet deeply meaningful about this imagery. As I’ve been reflecting on this metaphor, I’ve come to see how it shapes not just our understanding of Christ, but also what spiritual leadership should look like in our churches today.
The Shepherd Who Knows His Sheep
In John 10, Jesus makes a remarkable statement about His relationship with us: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me” (John 10:14). This isn’t casual acquaintance—it’s intimate knowledge. There’s a personal relationship, a personal connection between the shepherd and the sheep.
This has profound implications for those of us in ministry. When I think about our growing church family, I’m reminded that traditional wisdom suggested one pastor for every hundred people. Interestingly, I’ve never questioned where this guideline came from until recently when I was on vacation meditating on this sermon.
“When the good shepherd leaves the 99, he goes and finds the one—that shepherd was overseeing, responsible for a hundred sheep,” I realized. But today’s ministry experts suggest one pastor for every 70 people “because of the complexity, because of the issues with medication in the home, because of just the dynamics with all that’s going on in 2025.”
The Challenge of Shepherding Today
Our church has been blessed with remarkable growth. “For the last month, we have been having the same attendance as we had on that [dedication] day. It’s just split between two services.” We’re now averaging over 300 people weekly, approaching 350 in recent weeks.
While Pastor Dan and I are “committed to shepherding,” we recognize that “there are times it can be overwhelming.” This isn’t a complaint—almost daily, I come to church and say, “God, thank you for what you’re doing in the lives of our people here.”
But effective shepherding requires more shepherds. That’s why we’re developing lay leaders—17 men who are stepping forward to explore what it means to serve as lay pastors. We’re also reaching out to retired ministers in our congregation for wisdom and guidance.
What Makes a Good Shepherd?
Looking at Jesus’ example in John 10, we see several essential qualities:
- The good shepherd leads his sheep (John 10:4-5). “There’s no pushing, there’s no driving. Leadership is by example, not by domination.”
- The good shepherd provides for his sheep (John 10:9-10).
- The good shepherd protects his sheep from the many dangers that threaten them.
- The good shepherd sacrifices for his sheep. “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again” (John 10:17-18).
I’m reminded of the song we recently sang: “May Christ be all and I be nothing. His glory shines in vessels weak. May Christ be all and I be nothing. This is my hope, not I but Christ in me.” Whether you’re a shepherd, a business leader, a single parent, or a grandparent, this should be our cry: “May Christ be all.”
Particular Concerns: Reaching Young Adults
My heart is particularly burdened for the younger generation. Recent statistics from the Barna Group show that “for the first time in decades, the younger generation—Gen Z (13-20) and millennials (29-44)—they are attending church more than the senior adults.”
Yet we’re not effectively shepherding single adults in their 20s and 30s. Just three weeks ago, I met a young man who came looking for other young adults but couldn’t find them. “I have a heart for that age group. And we’ve got to do something as a church.”
Putting It Into Practice
So what does this mean for all of us?
- Pray for your shepherds. We need your spiritual support.
- Communicate with your shepherds. “If a sheep is hurting, if a sheep has disease, if a sheep is limping, I want to know that.”
- Encourage and pray for the men in our church as we seek additional lay pastors.
- Be persuaded by the preaching of God’s Word. Hebrews tells us to “obey them that have the authority over you.” The word “obey” there actually means “to be persuaded.” Are you being persuaded to be more like Jesus?
- Commit yourself to being known and being invested in the flock. “Don’t isolate yourself. If you isolate yourself, the devil’s coming after the sheep.”
- Fix your eyes on the Chief Shepherd because He loves you and cares for you.
At Community, we’re committed to making and maturing disciples. Whether you’re exploring what it means to have a relationship with Jesus or seeking to grow deeper in your faith, we’re here to walk alongside you. Our Next Steps team is available to pray with you, answer questions, and help you take your next step with the Lord.
Remember, Jesus is our model. As the Great Shepherd, “He knows, He leads, He feeds, He cares, He sacrifices, He provides, He unites.” And we, as His under-shepherds, are called to be like Him.
Prayers That Transform The Church
Empowered By The Holy Spirit
A Word Centered Church
Deliberate Worship
Expressions of Worship
Questions About Spiritual Gifts
We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!