The role of a biblical shepherd is more than a title. The calling should mirror Christ in every way. Humility and a teachable spirit accelerate growth into this role. Unfortunately, in the modern world, shepherding has been misunderstood, reduced to platforms and jobs, or avoided altogether for fear of discomfort. But the Word of God lays out a clear, challenging, and transformative standard for leading God’s flock.
In a culture where leadership is mostly associated with power, position, prestige, and popularity, the biblical picture of a shepherd is radically different. Sacrifice, relationship, and pointing people back to Christ define this role.
In John 10:14, Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me.” He spoke this in contrast to the Pharisees, who claimed to be shepherds of Israel but did not know the sheep they were supposed to tend. True shepherds build personal relationships with the, not simply preaching at them. They know names, struggles, and victories. In today’s Christianity, shepherds cannot rely solely on platforms, books, and social media. They must engage one-on-one.
Peter, himself a shepherd who learned from the Chief Shepherd, wrote in his first letter, “Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God” (1 Peter 5:2). Peter wrote this to elders scattered throughout Asia Minor who faced persecution and false teaching. Biblical shepherds do not give instructions from a distance. They live out the faith they preach. If a shepherd demands prayer but neglects prayer themselves, they mislead the flock. Actions speak louder than sermons. Shepherds must model the life they call others to live.
The psalmist wrote, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). David wrote these words from personal experience as a shepherd before he became king. The rod defended against predators; the staff guided and rescued sheep from danger. Shepherds must protect the flock from false doctrines, cultural compromise, social pressures, and spiritual wolves. This means boldly addressing sin and truth, even when it is highly unpopular. Shepherds must be willing to confront falsehood rather than letting wolves devour the sheep.
Jesus stated plainly, “The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). This could mean giving time, resources, or personal comfort to serve others. Shepherding is not about status. Shepherding is about sacrifice. Shepherds must examine their motives. Are they laying down their lives for the flock, or using the flock, or should I say, “partners” to build their own kingdoms?
After His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” Each time Peter affirmed his love, Jesus responded with a command: “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17). This exchange took place on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Peter had returned to fishing after the crucifixion. Jesus restored Peter and recommissioned him to the work of shepherding. Sermons, Bible studies should be rich in Scripture, not shallow, self-help motivational talks. Shepherds must ensure the flock is spiritually fed, not entertained. Are the sheep being fed with the Word, or starved with shallowness?
David wrote in Psalm 23:3, “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” In today’s fast-paced microwave culture, shepherds must walk with people through their spiritual growth patiently. Sanctification is a process, not an event. Quick fixes and rushed discipleship will not build strong believers. Shepherds must trust God’s timing rather than growing impatient with the flock’s progress.
Jesus asked in Luke 15:4, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the other ninety-nine and go after the one that is lost?” He spoke this parable to Pharisees and scribes who criticized Him for eating with tax collectors and sinners. Shepherds must prioritize outreach to those who have strayed or feel overlooked. This means stepping “outside” church walls to engage those who are broken and far from God. Shepherds must pursue the lost rather than remaining content with the ninety-nine.
In Hebrews, we read, “For whom the Lord loves He disciplines” (Hebrews 12:6). This passage comes in the context of enduring hardship and persecution. A shepherd corrects sin lovingly but firmly, not ignoring issues for fear of offending. In today’s church, discipline is foreign, but it remains essential for spiritual growth. Shepherds must not be afraid to lose people due to Biblical correction. If tithes and offerings are more important to you than rebuking and or correcting sin, ma’am, sir, you should probably not be pastoring or shepherding anyone. Shepherds must engage in hard conversations, lovingly guiding the sheep back to truth.
Jesus contrasted the true shepherd with the hired hand: “The hireling… flees because he is a hired hand and does not care about the sheep” (John 10:13). True shepherds endure trials and persecution for the sake of the flock. Shepherds must resist the temptation to quit when ministry gets tough, trusting God for strength. Faithfulness in adversity defines the true shepherd. Abandoning the flock for comfort defines the hired hand.
Peter wrote, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). A biblical shepherd does not build their own kingdom. They prepare the flock for Christ’s return. Shepherds must ensure their ministry points to Jesus, not their website, books, videos, or platform. The question must be answered honestly: is this ministry about Jesus, or about personal ambition? Self is the greatest idol worshipped today.
Shepherding is not glamorous. The work is gritty, sacrificial, and deeply relational. In many churches today, the role of shepherd is misunderstood as a position of power rather than servanthood. Yet Scripture shows that shepherds are called to mirror Christ’s example, humble, compassionate, courageous, and wholly devoted to God and His people. Jeremiah 3:15 records God’s promise: “Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding.” This came during a time when Israel’s leaders had failed catastrophically. But God also condemned shepherds who fed themselves rather than the flock in Ezekiel 34:2-4. Shepherds must examine their hearts: are they shepherding after God’s heart, or shepherding for personal gain?
Compare this with the hired hand whom Jesus speaks of in John 10. The one who flees when danger approaches. Remember Covid? The hired hand sees the sheep as someone else’s problem. When wolves come, when issues arise, when things do not go according to plan, the hired hand scatters, leaving the sheep to fend for themselves. A true shepherd does not abandon the flock when the going gets tough. He knows each sheep by name. His heart breaks at the thought of losing even one. Leadership like this requires more than skill or ambition. Leadership like this requires a shepherd’s heart. A heart willing to bleed for the sheep.
A shepherd does not simply lead the flock from a distance. He walks with them. He does not simply point them toward green pastures. He protects them when the way is treacherous. He lays down his own comfort, his own plans, his own life to ensure the safety and well-being of those entrusted to his care.
Make no mistake. Being a shepherd is no easy task. The work can many times be demanding. The dangers are real. Warfare is not just a cliché word that is so common in Christian circles. Warfare is a reality that has caused many to run away in fear and cowardice. Times will come when giving up seems rational, when the cost seems way too great. The sheep will wander. They will resist. They will not recognize the depth of sacrifice made on their behalf. In those moments, look to the Good Shepherd. The one who led not with force but with love. He did not abandon His flock when wolves came or life got too tough. He laid down His life for them. He calls shepherds to follow His example, to lead with the same sacrificial heart.
Beloved, the world needs shepherds. It needs men and women who will stay when others run, who will fight for the flock even at great personal cost. Do not scatter the sheep. Do not leave them vulnerable and alone. A true shepherd does not seek comfort or applause but the good of the flock, no matter the cost.
So, to the pastors/ shepherds, the question that stands before you today is: will you answer this call? Will you take up the staff, stand firm in the face of danger, and lead with the heart of a true shepherd? The sheep are waiting. The wolves are circling.
What kind of shepherd will you be?
