Knowing the pasture

[Chaplain Cline]

"The good Shepherd knows where to find pastures that are not only lush but safe enough for his flocks to rest in peace. He leads them carefully...it is the skilled shepherd who knows the environment" (pg. 111).

In "Five Smooth Stones For Pastoral Work", Peterson states "Pastors are assinged the task of helping people develop their everyday relationships in such a way that they discover God's will and love at the center of every encounter (pgs. 28-29). This leadership-discovery can only come with familiarity of our sheep. Pastors help people discover God's will by leading them from where the people are at present and not from where the pastor feels they should be. As Dr. Laniak asserts, pastoral care is comprehensive with the intent or goal of leading people to their "divinely ordained destination" (p. 90).

This brings to mind the picture of the shepherd walking through the flock as they graze, checking to ensure they are not injuried or wandering into dangerous areas. In like manner, pastors can visit in the homes and environments the sheep live to understand their situations. As the pastor becomes knoweldgable about the pasture he/she is serving, application of Biblical principles are made to ensure relevant messages and care.

Knowing the Bible is not the only taks of the skilled shepherd. Knowing the pasture the sheep inhabit is also part of the task.