As the under-shepherd, it is required to have a strong relationship with the Lord. We must spend time with Him and keep that intimate relationship with Him. Because it is through our close relationship with God that we are used to minister to His people. Peter had a close relationship with Jesus Christ, Peter spent a few years with Jesus Christ and experienced the ministry of Jesus Christ. Personally, Peter was close to Jesus Christ, and this prepared Peter. Jesus taught Peter to feed His Sheep by setting an example for Him to follow. We see Peter feeding sheep at Cornelius in Acts 10, where Peter shares the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Cornelius and his family are saved. Therefore, as under-shepherds we must be empowered by the Holy Spirit, strengthened by our relationship with Christ, and solid in our study of God’s word so we can feed God’s sheep. Thus, our continued relationship with Christ is vital in steady preparation to serve in His ministry.