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Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

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Home Bible Reflection Shepherd vs. Leader

Shepherd vs. Leader

Posted on February 3, 2021 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


This morning, I was thinking about the need for churches to have shepherds rather than leaders.

I’ve noticed that in big churches, there is a man or a small group of men that have a “vision” for how the church can grow in numbers. But in all of the big churches I’ve attended, that man or men typically had no plan for individual members to grow in their relationship with Jesus.

I experienced too many leaders and too few shepherds.

But, as I read the Gospels, Jesus always had time for individuals and one has the sense that when he was talking to someone, that person got his full attention.

I’ve never tried, but I suspect that it is not easy to get on the calendar of a megachurch pastor. They look great on stage, are very articulate, and perhaps even helpful in their sermons, but are they truly shepherds?

This is, after all, what the word pastor means. A pastor is a shepherd, or at least, is supposed to be a shepherd. Shepherds care for their flock, not just as a group, but as individuals.

Jesus did it, we have no excuse to do otherwise.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

I have the opportunity to go to Istanbul, Turkey this summer to minister to Syrian refugees. If you would like more details about this trip, please use this link Mark McIntyre - Istanbul, Turkey Please note that this trip is fully funded, but I would appreciate your continued prayer. The trip will take place June 27 - July 6, 2025.

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