The Sacred Responsibility of Shepherding God's People by stella ashworth
"Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding." (Jeremiah 3:15)
There are few callings as sacred, humbling, and weighty as the call to shepherd God's people. It is not a position of prestige. It is not an opportunity to build a personal kingdom. Shepherding is a divine assignment entrusted by God Himself to those He calls to care for His flock.
The well-known hymn "Here I Am, Lord" has often echoed in my heart throughout my ministry journey. Its message reflects the heart of one who responds to God's call with obedience: "Lord, if You are calling, I will go where You lead."
When God called me into ministry several years ago, I quickly realized that ministry was not a title to wear but a cross to carry.
I understood that there would be sacrifices. I understood there would be challenges. I understood that shepherding God's people came with tremendous responsibility.
The flock does not belong to us. The people belong to God.
Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." (John 10:11) A true shepherd does not view ministry as a career. A shepherd views ministry as stewardship.
The sheep have been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, and every leader entrusted with God's people will one day give an account before Him.
The Apostle Peter wrote: "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:2-3)
Notice that Peter calls it God's flock, not our flock. The church belongs to Christ. The ministry belongs to Christ. The people belong to Christ. We are merely servants entrusted with a sacred responsibility.
Throughout Scripture, shepherds were called to watch, guard, and protect. The prophet Ezekiel was appointed as a watchman: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from Me." (Ezekiel 3:17)
Today, God is still looking for shepherds who will stand watch over His people. Shepherds who will speak truth even when it is unpopular. Shepherds who will warn against false doctrine. Shepherds who will protect the flock from wolves who seek to deceive and destroy.
Too often, responsibility is passed from one person to another. Yet God is looking for men and women who will say: "Here I am, Lord. Send me." Not because the task is easy. Not because the burden is light. But because they love God and they love His people.
The greatest lesson every shepherd must learn is love. Jesus asked Peter three times: "Do you love Me?" (John 21:15-17) Each time Peter answered yes, Jesus responded: "Feed My lambs." "Take care of My sheep." "Feed My sheep."
The connection is profound. Love for Christ is demonstrated through care for His people. A shepherd cannot truly serve God's people without loving them. Not loving them when they are easy to lead. Not loving them only when they agree with us. But loving them through their struggles, failures, doubts, wounds, and victories.
The heart of a shepherd reflects the heart of Christ.
One of the greatest dangers in ministry is making it about ourselves. The world teaches self-promotion. Jesus taught self-denial. John the Baptist understood this when he declared: "He must become greater; I must become less." (John 3:30)
God never called us to build our own platforms. He called us to point people to Jesus. He called us to serve His people. God never called us to advance our own agendas. He called us to fulfil His purposes.
True ministry happens when we walk among God's people, serve them faithfully, and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us for His glory alone.
Shepherding is costly. It requires prayer when you are weary. It requires faithfulness when no one sees. It requires courage when standing for truth becomes unpopular. It requires humility when recognition never comes. Yet there is also a promise. Peter writes: "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1 Peter 5:4)
Every earthly title will fade. Every earthly achievement will pass away. But those who faithfully shepherd God's people for His glory will one day stand before the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ Himself.
A Prayer for Shepherds
Heavenly Father, Raise up shepherds after Your own heart. Give them wisdom, courage, humility, and unwavering devotion to Your Word. Help them to love Your people as You love them.
Strengthen those who faithfully serve in difficult seasons. Protect them from pride, compromise, and discouragement. May every shepherd remember that the flock belongs to You.
May we never seek our own glory, but always point people to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. Here we are, Lord. Send us.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Stella Ashworth - Bay Talk.