The Power of Shepherding Imagery

[mattcapps]

The meaning of the metaphor of shepherd, from which we get our word pastor, is important for understanding the reality of pastoral ministry. Laniak argues that shepherd is the primary metaphor by which the biblical authors conceptualized leadership. The ancient cultural realities of animal husbandry make it clear that the primary roles of a shepherd were to provide, protect, and guide. The distinct imagery of ancient shepherding practices should elicit experiential reflection and emblazon imagery that shapes pastoral ministry. What Laniak does is provide us with a biblical theology of shepherding that is metaphor-dependent and metaphor-rich. This is important, namely because “metaphors make use of concrete or physical realities to describe less tangible realities…human thought tends towards an economy of explanatory images.” He continues by arguing that “we cultivate mental categories that preserve as much information as possible with as little effort as possible.” In other words, metaphors invite both comprehension and apprehension. Laniak notes that:

1. Comprehension: Emphasizes the cognitive aspects of interpretation
2. Apprehension: Emphasizes the existential aspects of interpretation

“Shepherd is a felicitous metaphor for human leadership because both occupations have a comparable variety of diverse tasks that are constantly negotiated…Shepherds had to combine broad competencies in animal husbandry with capacities for scouting, defense and negotiation.” The beautiful thing about metaphor is that it carries us beyond the literal meaning of shepherd and instructs us on the nature of pastoral leadership. In this sense, the vehicle of metaphor affects the way shepherd leadership is understood. There is a connection made at a deeper level, and though the details and particulars are left behind the essence of shepherd leadership remains and resonates within our imagination. Therefore, the metaphor of shepherd instructs and shapes us as pastors by way of deep emotive insight.