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In this lesson, Dr. Laniak describes a shepherd who knows each sheep in his flock by touch. How does this level of knowing/intimacy translate to your leadership role? How is the type of biblical restoration discussed in this lesson relevant to your leadership context?
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20 Replies
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Dr. Laniak tells of a shepherd who knows his sheep by touch. This is a well trained flock an shepherd, knowing the right foods for his flock and being known in their surroundings.
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There was a time before entering the Navy when we moved away from God. When God entered our life He cam looking and he “found” his lost child. It was time of relief when we were restored to Him and His family. It was a good time to return home with a loving family.
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As leaders, we need to know the people whom we serve. When I visit other groups for fellowship, I often take note of the level of knowledge the leaders have with their flock. In some small churches, I have seen leaders who barely seem to know the names of the congregants, let alone any personal details or their concerns. I have also seen very large churches where leaders take time to talk to congregants and engage in very meaningful coversation in ways that only someone with a relationship can do. It isn’t necessarily about size, but how willing you are to engage with the flock. As a leader, I must make sure that I seek out opportunities to minister to each person in a meaningful way. If this becomes unmanageable, I should find solutions to make sure each person is cared for.
As I consider the importance of touch, I am reminded of a friend who told me a story about her 10-year-old son this week who felt compelled to kneel down with strangers (who were homeless, only relevant because they so rarely get this type of interaction), touched them, and prayed with them, as they were walking down the street. This act of humanity is so important in showing loving concern. I imagine that such a simple act carried a significant amount of restoration for their souls.
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I believe the way Dr. Laniak is describing the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep parallels the way leaders or pastors should have developed relationships that are personal ones at that. Not just being a corporate leader in the church, but relational.
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It shows an incredible amount of care for the flock when the shepherd intimately knows them. I am not in leadership but it shows a healthy congregation when more than just the pastor can talk to and work with the flock.
