A biblical, historical, theological, and practical foundation for pastoral leadership Pastors have been entrusted with leading the people of God. The shepherds of God’s flock must protect them from and guide them through the many dangers believers face. Although ultimately the Church is led by Christ, pastors are to provide godly examples of what it means to be a follower of the Lord. Consequently, who leads the church, the type of authority they are given, how they relate to one another, to whom they are accountable, and how they are selected are of utmost importance to the life and health of God’s people. This book provides the biblical, historical, theological, and practical foundation of the crucial task of leading God’s people.
Shepherding God’s Flock is both a textbook for students of pastoral ministry and a handbook for pastors. Jay Adams is well-known for his practical and thorough approach to the many issues of Christian counseling. That same practicality and thoroughness is found in this unparalleled handbook on pastoral ministry. Not only does it offer pastors one of the best resources in print, but it also provides church elders with an orientation and practical guide to aspects of ministry for which they have responsibility. It is truly a shepherd’s handbook. The book is divided into three parts. Pastoral Life deals with the pastor, his calling, and the general care he provides the flock. Pastoral Counseling provides an overview of the task and a general approach for pastoral counselors. Pastoral Leadership offers a perspective on the ways the pastor can lead the church in its many tasks and responsibilities.
Charles Simeon ministered for over fifty years in one parish at the heart of Cambridge during the bleak period of English national life between the French Wars and the passing of the Reform Bill. He was considered by Lord Macaulay to have had greater influence on the life of the church than any primate. Soundly converted in his first term at King's College, he was appointed Vicar of Holy Trinity in 1782, combining the incumbency with a Fellowship and various academic posts. Highly unpopular at first on account of both his message and his manner, scorned and abused for many years, he carried on regardless of other's opinions until in the end he became perhaps the best known and best respected name in Cambridge. Hot-tempered but warm-hearted, impetuous but infinitely patient, a man of imposing, even remarkable appearance, he was a "character," about whom the most entertaining stories are eagerly recounted. As a Christian of independent mind and strong convictions, he found his spiritual strength in a lifetime of deep devotion and strict personal discipline; as a biblical preacher he was the first for many generations to see the possibility and importance of teaching others how to expound the Scriptures; as a pastor and evangelist his work with both town and gown was marked by a rare faithfulness and zeal. Limited all his life to the one center of spiritual activity, he yet was the moving spirit in the formation of the Church Missionary Society, and an enthusiastic supporter of the Bible Society and of work among the Jews.
Travel the Shepherd's path to the green pastures and cool, refreshing waters of Psalm 23. As a shepherd himself, W. Phillip Keller shares his insights into the life and character of sheep--and of the Good Shepherd who loves and cares for them. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 will give new meaning to the ageless Shepherd Psalm, enriching your trust in and love for the Lord who watches closely over you. Keller infuses new hope into our relationship with Christ. Part of the Timeless Faith Classics series, this installment: Is perfect as a treasured self-purchase or gift for any occasion Showcases Scripture which has been the topic of countless books, articles, and featured on a multitude of gift products Delivers new insights on one of the most familiar and popular chapters in the Bible Is a trusted inspirational resource for personal and spiritual growth and reflection As we lie down in green pastures or walk through the shadowy valley, we're assured that whatever our path, whatever our stumbling, the Shepherd will lovingly guide, carry, and protect us. We can depend on His goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. Readers will find comfort, guidance, and reassurance with A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.
Old Testament professor Timothy Laniak follows the figure of the shepherd through the pages of Scripture to help today's leaders find their place in the ancient pastoral tradition.
The Shepherd Leader is a book that strives to bring the importance of shepherding to the forefront of our thinking about what church leaders should do and, therefore, what they should be. Too many church leaders perceive of themselves as a "board of directors" when the Bible is clear that they are to know, feed, lead, and protect the flock entrusted to their care.
Pastor, author, and leadership consultant unpacks instruction for church leaders found in 1 Peter 5:1-4 where they are exhorted to shepherd the flock among them. Some instruction is timeless. Regardless of the age in which we live, certain instruction carries no expiration on its relevance. Pastor, author, and leadership consultant, Larry Osborne has discovered this to be the case with instruction on how to be a good leader. The best, most practical advice comes from the Bible, and in particular, 1 Peter 5:1-4. It's in this short passage where leaders are exhorted to shepherd the flock among them. Unfortunately, most modern leaders have precious little experience tending sheep, and many of the implications that were well understood when Peter penned these words are lost on today's reader. Osborne finds the parallels to be numerous, well-worth reviewing and understanding anew. A shepherd leads them to water even when they fear it. A shepherd never allows one sick lamb to destroy the flock. A shepherd lays down his life for his sheep . . . When leaders truly understand Peter's words of exhortation to lead like a shepherd, then they will begin to see the path that leads them to Leading Well.
Discover a fresh perspective on the art of leading in Dr. Kevin Leman's story about a young reporter who lands the meeting of a lifetime and walks away with the keys to exceptional leadership. The Way of the Shepherd points you beyond dated trends and out-of-touch management techniques to the strategies that will make you a truly outstanding leader. When William Pentak had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interview Ted McBride, one of the most respected CEOs in America, he was shocked by what McBride was willing to share. McBride taught him the seven secrets he inherited long ago from his mentor--an eccentric but brilliant professor who passed on these time-tested management principles that, while ancient in their origin, are still applicable in today's fast-paced, high-tech world. Throughout The Way of the Shepherd, you'll learn how to infuse your work with meaning, no matter your role, title, industry, or the size of your team. Uncover the tried-and-true best practices for how to engage, energize, and ignite your workforce by: Getting to know your team, one person at a time Relentlessly communicating your values and your mission Defining the cause for your people and showing them where they fit in Having a heart for the people that you're leading Understanding that great leadership isn't just professional, it's personal If you're ready to transform your team, create a culture of belonging, and truly learn to lead by example, it's time to discover The Way of the Shepherd.
How Can Deacons Mobilize Service in the Church? Deacons are essential to a church's health—yet confusion abounds regarding their biblical job description. What's their God-given role in a local congregation and how do they relate to the church's overall mission? In this short book, Matt Smethurst makes the case that deacons are model servants called to meet tangible needs, organize and mobilize acts of service, preserve the unity of the flock, and support the ministry of the elders. Clearing away common misconceptions, Smethurst offers practical guidance for deploying deacons and helping churches to flourish.
Pastoring is both an art and a science; however, much more than that, it is a divine calling wherein God imparts to chosen vessels a gift of his grace that empowers them to extend his loving care to all his children-especially those of the household of faith. While there are many competing theories as to what pastoring means and how it should be fulfilled both in the life of the administrator and in the lives of those who are being pastored, the reality is that the only definition that matters is the one that God himself gives through Holy Scripture. True pastors are identified in the context of the Hebrew Scriptures through the very word itself, which represents a function, not a form. This is true of most words in the Hebrew texts which describe actions rather than states of being. Pastoring, therefore, is a work, not merely a title. The Hebrew word that is translated "pastor" is (ra'ah), which is a verbal form meaning "to pasture." A biblical pastor, therefore, is actually a "pasturer" or "one who pastures," with the visual picture of "one who leads sheep to pasture" or "one who feeds [and cares for] sheep." This metaphor was understood well in the ancient agrarian Israelite society because pasturing sheep was essential to life. This idea is readily understood in that most famous of biblical passages about pastors as shepherds: "The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters" (Psalm 23:1-2, NIV). A pastor (shepherd) creates a comfortable environment for the ingesting of divine truth and a safe space where people can drink the water of life freely. When God said to Israel, "I will give you pastors after my own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding" (Jeremiah 3:15, NASB), he was playing on the metaphor that is readily attached to the word pastor. "The kind of pastors that I will send you," says God, "are the ones who will feed you with knowledge and understanding." Obviously, Gold was using a vivid example of the shepherd/sheep relationship in ancient Israel to teach a spiritual lesson: the pastors he would give to his people would be the ones who would equip their souls with the knowledge and understanding that they needed for successful living, and they would do so on a continuing, daily basis. A God-called, ordained, and a gifted pastor is someone who by virtue of faith and faithfulness has learned how to be a true servant leader-one who "stands out front and points the way" to spiritual blessing and knowledge and understanding for successful living. A pastor is one who has walked the narrow way with God through Jesus the Messiah in a spiritual exercise of both theoretical knowledge and the practical application of that knowledge. A pastor is one, then, who can teach not only theory and concept but can also demonstrate practical out-working of such ideas. A pastor is one who joins arm-in-arm with those whom he shepherds to help them walk out the life of Jesus in a vibrant and joyful way. A true shepherd demonstrates through dynamic modeling the very truths that are being taught in public community exercises. The Shepherd and His Flock is a volume that will permit you to look deep into the very life and being of a God-called and gifted pastor. You will learn powerful lessons from the heartbeat of his constant interaction with God's sheep, standing with them through pain and suffering, through triumph and rejoicing to help lead them to a Spirit-filled life of peace and blessing. The insights that you will gain from this book will be invaluable to you as you labor in the Master's vineyard and carry out his prime directive: "Go and make many disciples, teaching them all things that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). Now, take time to walk the road of servanthood with a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, Dr. Jeff Hamm.
