The Pastor is both a sheep and a shepherd

[qzhang]

The Pastor should be first and foremost, a sheep of God.(Ps. 23) According to Dr. Laniak, being a member of the flock of God was more fundamental than being and the pointed Shepherd over the flock (P114). This identity has a twofold implication for the Pastor. For one thing, by learning how to follow the Chief Shepherd will also teach us how to lead as an under-shepherd. For another, we can enjoy our relationship with our fellow-sheep, because we are all humans. We do not have any difference in terms of spiritual or social status.

At the same time, we are also a shepherd. Shepherd is not a sheep. Shepherd is responsible for feeding, protecting, leading and caring for the sheep. The sheep do not have such huge responsibilities, but the shepherd does. And God holds the shepherd accountable for all these duties.

The dual identity creates lots of tension for us as pastors. When facing ministry challenges, we found ourselves stuck between these two identities. We ask ourselves consciously or unconsciously: “Am I a sheep, or am I a shepherd?”

We are both a sheep and a shepherd. This tension surely creates pains that maybe only fellow pastors can understand. But tension can be good and health.

Being a shepherd without being a sheep is dangerous. He would think he is the big boss, the ultimate authority. But in reality, he should be the extension of God’s authority. Dr. Laniak says it well: “Abusing others was an expression of the arrogant assumption that power is primary late privilege rather than responsibility.(P149) The shepherd should learn not to lord people over, but to sacrifice for them. Our Messiah did just that. He expressed “his greatest act of shepherding by becoming, ironically, the sacrificial Lamb of God. (P185)

Being a sheep without being a shepherd is equally dangerous. He could miss the essence of his Calling. And he may neglect the responsibilities of shepherding the flock such as tending, feeding, guiding, and so on. If influenced too much by the sheep, the shepherd can also run the risk of lost the Vision from God.

As Pastors, we are both sheep and shepherd. This tension, if carried through well, will glorify God’s Name, and nurture God’s people at the same time.
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Peter Zhang