Introduction to Shepherding Groups
God’s Word compares people to sheep.
Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (Psalms 100:3)
To help us know the benefits of a Shepherding Ministry, then, we need to make some parallels.
- Sheep are most productive when they are properly tended to (nutrition, protection, shelter, water) and cared for (affection) by the shepherd.
- The ultimate goal is that sheep produce wool, offspring, or good meat.
What are the Benefits of a Shepherding Ministry?
The objective for the shepherding ministry in the church is to help people become more Christ-like and bear fruit. This happens best through a shepherding ministry as we similarly tend to the spiritual welfare of people.
When shepherding is intentional, regular, and consistent . . .
- Communication is deliberate;
- Connectedness is deepened;
- Christ-likeness is developed.
The motivating factor behind a shepherding ministry should be love. Jesus taught that love is the greatest commandment … first love for God and then love for others;
Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 35-39
