Shepherding

What is Shepherding? What does a Shepherd do? The word ‘Pastor’ in Ephesians 4:11 is the greek word poimēn which, when translated means, ‘shepherd’. Shepherding has never been glamorous work, and neither is being a Pastor, but their roles are very similar. Blue Letter Bible defines poimēn as, “A shepherd in the Near East was responsible for watching out for enemies trying to attack the sheep, defending the sheep from attackers, healing the wounded and sick sheep, finding and saving lost or trapped sheep, loving them, and sharing their lives and to earn their trust.” I can not think of a better way to express what a Pastor (Shepherd) does within the body of the Church.

Paul states in Ephesians 4 that God “gave” this position to the church. This is the same word used in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he ‘gave’...” That’s what God does; He gives. He gives because He loves. He loves the church and is the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). Shepherds are given out of love by God to the Church, His bride in order that the Church can be watched over, protected, defended, healed, and loved. Shepherds serve the church the way Christ served, lovingly, sacrificially, and courageously.