Carey Nieuwhof gave a talk at the BGAV on November 15, 2022, and he had us take a look at the church in 2032, to see what that church did in order to survive and thrive in the decade prior.
A key lesson is that everything has changed. The methods of the past will not take us to where we must go in the future. Will we adapt or die?
It’s 2032. Here’s What’s Left of the Church.
Christian America Died. And the leaders who kept looking back never moved forward.
Growing churches are now digital organizations with physical locations. Dying churches saw digital church as an obstacle, growing church saw it as an opportunity.
The majority of church attendees are no longer in the room. Dying churches confined ministry to the building, growing churches did not.
On-demand access now greatly surpasses attendance of live events, on-demand access reaches people when they’re ready, not when we’re ready.
Growing churches shifted their focus from gathering to connecting.
Community and connection matter more than content consumption.
On April 19 at 7:00pm, Scott Chafee will participate in this online seminar in the Fellowship Hall and invites any King’s Grant people to attend with him. The topic is on “Responding to Church Bullies.”
At King’s Grant, we encourage class teachers and leaders to be all they can be for the kingdom’s sake, but how often do we encourage group members (or coach them) on how to be a good group member? I found this article refreshing…
[ From the Adult Ministry Department at Lifeway – by Cheri Liefeld ]
As ministry leaders, we spend time training our group leaders and helping them succeed. But 90% of the group is made up of group members who are not leaders. Our small groups will only be as great as the people attending and their involvement. Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a great group member? Here are nine steps to being a great group member.
Communicate. Basic communication with your leader and your group. Respond when they reach out. Engage in group texts. Let them know you will be there, and if you have to miss, please let them know. They would rather have a heads up instead of a “no-show.”
Show Up. In my experience, only 1/3 of people who sign up for small groups make it to the first meeting. The others are missing out. Be the one that overcomes first-night jitters and joins. Then keep showing up. It is hard to fully experience the small group and build the relationships you desire if you attend sporadically. Fight the urge to stay home when you feel tired. Once you get there, you’ll be glad you did. Showing up is a simple key to success both in your group and your life.
Listen. Show your group you value them and want to get to know them by being present and actively listening. Yes, people overshare, but haven’t we all at some point? Fight the urge to look at your phone or drift off. Remember how you feel when someone is present and engaged as you talk. Listening is one way to honor your group. This creates a safe space for people to wrestle and grow in their faith.
Join the Conversation. We want to hear from you. This can be challenging for those who are shy or don’t have a friend in the group. Be courageous and share your thoughts. You have something important to contribute to the group. Nod your head, especially on Zoom groups, to show you are engaged and listening. Be willing to be vulnerable. When we can be ourselves, honestly share our struggles, and celebrate our wins, we grow closer to each other.
Do the work and be prepared. We all experience busy weeks, and there will be times we don’t complete the homework. Let that be the exception, but still show up. Honor your group by being prepared, ready to engage and contribute to the discussion. It can be discouraging for a leader to ask a question and be met with silence because no one read the book or watched the video. It’s like hosting a potluck, but only one guest brings a dish. Dinner isn’t quite the same. You get out of the group as much as you are willing to contribute.
Encourage others. We live in a challenging season; everyone could use a bit of encouragement. Affirm other’s contributions. Ask how they are doing. Follow up on a prior prayer request. Little acts of kindness tell others you value them, and that is how great friendships begin. Text someone in your group each week. Write a note of encouragement. Send someone money through Venmo for coffee. These gestures are contagious and will spur others on to do the same (Hebrews 10:24-25). You won’t regret it.
Serve Your Group. Offer to bring a meal when someone is sick. Reach out if someone is absent to see if they are ok. Invite someone to coffee to hear their story. The Bible says to outdo ourselves in honoring and loving others (Romans 12:9-10) and to serve others, faithfully using our God-given gifts (1 Peter 4:10).
Take Initiative. Offer to bring snacks or plan a social event for the group. Be courageous and pray at the end of the group. Ask how you can support your group leader. Offer to lead when they want to take a week off. This type of support is meaningful to your leader. When we take next steps, relationships start to grow.
Pray. Take time each week to pray for your group and your leaders. Pray over their requests and for their families. Ask God to bless your group and create community among you. One of my leaders said of their group members, “I love how they pray for each other and support each other on their own. It is so beautiful to see how they have a supportive community within the group.”
Which of these resonates most with you? Which would be an area of growth for you? Try one of these steps this week and see how it impacts your group.
Cheri Liefeld is the Director of Small Groups at Eastside Community Church in Anaheim, California. She was previously Director of Women’s Ministry at Mariners Church. She is a writer and loves to gather people around the table. You can read more at adventuresinthekitchen.com.
Yep. This one is so important because it’s all about simplicity and clarity. It’s one thing to have a “connection class” for new members and regular attendees, but it is another thing to share information about the church to new comers, and those in the church have no clue what we are teaching! Let’s all get on the same page!
On Saturday October 31, 8am-10am, I’m inviting all church leaders to an abbreviated Crash Course (sort of like a crash course of the Crash Course). By church leaders (so no one will think this is for someone else) I mean if you are a deacon (active or not), Sunday school teacher or a small group leader, a ministry team leader, a committee member, choir member, praise team member… this class is for you. Did I miss anyone?
Ezekiel 34:4-6, 8, 16; Matthew 9:36-38 – Scattered sheep are exactly what it sounds like. These sheep have wandered away from the fold for one reason or another. The truth is, the longer you wait to retrieve scattered sheep, the less likely are to return. Some have strayed on their own for a variety of reasons but some have been “driven away.” It’s the shepherd’s responsibility to make a sincere and conscientious attempt to bring them back.
Shepherd’s Responsibility is to Bring Back the Scattered Sheep
1. Clear Conscience if appropriate. Evaluate your situation and dealings with your scattered sheep to see if there is some sort of relational conflict on your part, or with anyone in the group. It is so important to maintain a clear conscience as your have conversations with them.
Acts 24:16; In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.
1 Timothy 1:19; keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
2. Request or offer forgiveness. If you discover you have done something to offend them, do everything in your power to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Conversations are always a good place to start. We need to communicate with our people to better minister to them. If we have done something to cause them to fall away, let’s admit it, and seek reconciliation if possible.
Matthew 18:15-35; – this passage is about church discipline, and then how many times we should forgive someone who errs against us (and the parable of the outrageous debt and the servant).
Luke 17:1-4; Jesus talks about forgiving a repentant brother.
Ephesians 4:31-32; Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Colossians 3:13; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
3. Avoid listening to accusations. People talk, and there is always talk in the hall. Talk to people directly, don’t just listen to accusations. When someone comes to you with a concern, approach the situation is the spirit of prayer and concern.
1 Timothy 5:19; Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.
Revelation 12:10; “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.
Matthew 18:15-17; “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
The point is that we need to talk directly to people rather than listening to the accusations of others. Talk to the people involved!
4. Remind them that love covers a multitude of sins on both sides. It really is amazing what people will put up with when they know that love is in the mix. We tolerate a lot of bad behavior when we love each other. Just think about your own family! But accepting bad behavior may not be the healthy thing to do, we often need to confront poor behavior, because we love that person. We love them too much to allow them to go down a bad path.
1 Corinthians 13:7; [love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Peter 4:8; Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
It’s amazing what people can do and endure when love rules the relationship.
5. Discuss reasons for leaving that are healthy: Our church is not the best place for every person, as hard as it is to hear and accept that statement. Some people leave a congregation for the right reasons. Not everyone is running away from something and choosing to be scattered sheep. Here are a few positive reasons to leave the church…
· Leaving to have a genuine spiritual need met elsewhere.
Ephesians 4:16; from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Colossians 2:19; and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.
These verses tell me that our needs are met as we live together in authentic community. If we can’t sense this unity from the head [Christ] or the body [Christians] then perhaps leaving is the right thing to do for your own spiritual health.
BUT, leaving and not finding another faith community is a cop out. You must always remember that you can 1) be a part of the solution or 2) you can be a part of the problem. There is a real possibility that your leaving for another faith community brings the same spirit of discontentment and disunity that you were attempting to leave. Hey, just something to think about. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy! We think we are leaving because of a problem in the church, but could it be that we are the problem that we are bringing to another congregation?
· Leaving to plant another church. If God calls you, you need to be obedient and leave the congregation that you love to get involved in the mission or church plant to which you are called.
Acts 13:1-4, While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Romans 10:14-15; How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”
· Leaving to serve another church. This is also a part of the calling we have as disciples of Jesus. We like where we attend, and we love these servants at our church, and we are saddened when God calls them away from us. In my small group, I challenge people that if you are still in my group after a few years, I have failed, because we are called to go out into other areas and pass on what we have experienced and learned. We are called to serve, not to sit and to soak!
Acts 18:27-28; And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:5-8; What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
We are not tied to God’s servant but to our Savior. We go where he leads, even if that leading takes us away from the congregation we love.
· Leaving over doctrinal error. If you can’t correct the error, you may have to leave a congregation when error has crept in. Wow, this is tough because we have to think through whether this is truly a doctrinal error or just a difference of interpretation. We may not know a lot of theology but we know people who can help us sort through what we have heard and experienced in a classroom or in the pulpit.
Jude 1:3-4; Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
· Leaving because of persecution. While legitimate, I hope that I would persevere through the persecution rather than leaving because if it. But in the Bible, the dispersion was all about persecution in Jerusalem and because of it, the gospel went into all the world. God can use persecution to get his church out of their comfort zone and back on mission.
Acts 8:1-4; Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. 3 But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison. 4 Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.
· Leaving because disagreement with the direction of the church. When you have a difference of opinion regarding the direction of the local church, sometimes you conclude that leaving that congregation is the right thing to do. So many people will fight the God-called leadership of their congregation, and when people fight, the church gets a black eye from unbelievers in the community. Even faithful people in the church may choose to concede to these strong-willed members in the hopes of unity. We cannot encourage church people to create disunity over personal preferences that may differ from the pastor or other leadership in the church. Certainly, people can express their differences but when the church moves in a certain direction, we all need to be on board, rather than seeking ways to sabotage the efforts of the majority. If the direction of the church is not what you like, rather than fight, leaving to join another congregation may be just the needed remedy.
Acts 15:1; Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
Hey, this was such a problem that the first Jerusalem Council gathered to settle the issue. By the way, while settled here, it was not settled because it seems that the Judaizers contended with the early church and the teachings of Paul for years to come. Sometimes those in the minority who dissent would rather fight than leave. When people fight, enter in the factions…
1 Corinthians 11:19; For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.
So, what can you do?
Ephesians 4:3; being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
· Leaving because they were disfellowshipped (Excommunication).
Matthew 18:15-17; At the end of church discipline, if they do not see the error of their ways, sending them away could be the right thing to do. But those in the majority, operating under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, are called to inflict punishment on those who are erring, to try and bring them back to sound doctrine….
2 Corinthians 2:6-7; Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, 7 so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
Did you get that? There can be a punishment inflicted by the majority, with the hope of restoring them.
BUT what if they refuse to listen and repent?
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
1 Corinthians 5:9-13; Here, Paul writes some difficult words about not associating with certain so-called brothers. Certainly, read these verses for yourself!
Acts 5:11; And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard of these things.
After the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, all such dissension regarding the authority of the anointed apostles deceased significantly!
So, what to do with scattered or driven-away sheep… bring them back. We desire to be at peace with all of the flock but there are some situations where there is good reason for certain sheep to be scattered and driven-away.
The point is for the shepherd to understand the situation and make a sincere and contentious attempt to bring them back into the fold. BUT, always remember that God’s answer for unity in the congregation may be to allow some sheep to leave on their own.
Credit for the original teaching goes to my mentor, teacher, and friend, Rick Leineweber.
Thank you for joining this latest edition of Shepherding God People. First, I did the overview of the seven types of sheep we find in the Bible, then talked about our responsibilities toward weak sheep, sick sheep, and then broken sheep. Today I will talk about what to do with lost or perishing sheep.
Every flock is just one generation away from extinction. It is essential that we reach lost sheep with the gospel. As shepherds, we cannot rely on “transfer growth” (or sheep stealing as many would say) to increase flock size but must be evangelistically seeking lost people who are spiritually dying without Christ. This includes finding new and innovative ways to introduce church life to those who feel “cut off” or have fallen away. These people may feel there are no points of re-entry.
Shepherd’s Responsibility is to Seek the Lost – So, how can you best do that? We must learn how to do a spiritual inventory of our people, then actually learn how to share the gospel with lost people. Back in the day we called this the Evangelism Explosion outline. In the notes below on the church website, I have posted several methods of sharing the gospel with people. Take a look and see if any of it is helpful in your witnessing life.
Here are a few things you can do to minister to your Lost Sheep…
1. Ask about their spiritual background/upbringing. I use the FIRE acrostic…
Family and friends – Family of origin? Upbringing? Siblings? Parents? Best friend growing up? Favorite memory growing up? What was it like to grow up in your neighborhood? Your favorite family vacation?
Interests (like what’s important in their life) – What do you love to do? Hobbies? Sports teams? TV shows you like? What is the most important thing that has ever happened to you?
Religious background – What was your church experience growing up? What is your family’s faith tradition? What denominational affiliation? Are there any spiritual commitments you made back in the day? Have you followed through? Have you fallen away? Why or why not? What happened? Do you ever think about spiritual things today? What is the greatest thing that God has ever done for you? Are you active in a church? If not, what would draw you back to church?
Eternity – Do you think this life is all there is? How did we get here? Is there a grand design in the universe or is this all by chance over time? What do you think happens right after someone dies?
2. Ask them the two diagnostic questions: The first one is…
Have you come to the place in your life where you can say that you know for certain that if you were to die tonight you would go to heaven?
True disciples cannot be ambiguous about their salvation. Don’t settle for “I hope so” or “can anyone really know for sure.” Read to them 1 John 5:13 – These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. John is talking about the Bible being written so we can KNOW we are saved, not wonder about our salvation.
The second diagnostic question is…
Suppose you were to die tonight and stand before God and He were to ask you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” What would you say to Him?
We want to get at the heart of what they are trusting to get into heaven. Anything short of trusting in the finished work of Jesus on the cross is not the authentic saving gospel. It’s not about how they live their life, their morality, or even that they are on the class roll at church or are active in worship attendance at a certain church. The point is, they CAN’T put their trust in the fact that they walked an aisle at the end of a service or was baptized as a child.
3. Present the gospel to them. Here are a few things to cover…
The first topic is GRACE – there is a significant difference between a couple key words in our court system. Justice is getting what you deserve; Mercy is NOT getting what you deserve; but then there’s grace. Grace is all about getting something that you don’t deserve. THAT is what salvation is all about.
Romans 6:23b; …but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8; For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
Titus 2:11; For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
The next topic involves MANKIND. We try to do good things, like keep some cosmic moral law, but can we really keep God’s law? What is the purpose of the Law? It is likely a no brainer but mankind is sinful and we don’t like to be reminded of that, but the Bible is clear on the subject…
Romans 3:23; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 6:23a; For the wages of sin is death… (Then you might bring up the topic of the Bible, or Old Testament Law)…
Romans 7:7; What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “You shall not covet.”
Galatians 3:24; Therefore, the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.
James 2:10; For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.
Ephesians 2:8-9; For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Titus 3:5; He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
The we talk about our DILEMMA, God is a complex mixture of Love and wrath… on God’s Wrath…
John 3:36; He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Romans 1:16; For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Romans 5:9; Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. … (But we cannot leave our God’s Love, because this is God’s plan to save us)…
John 3:16; “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Romans 5:8; But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Here is the greatest news, God has PROVIDED a way for us to be saved, so here, we talk about Jesus – like, who is he, from where did he come, and for what purpose was he born?
John 1:1-3,14; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being… And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth… (This passage is so lofty, and theology filled, but people need to know about the uniqueness of Jesus).
John 14:6; Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
1 Timothy 2:5-6; For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.
1 Corinthians 15:3-5; For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to… [many]
Romans 4:25; He who was delivered over because of our transgressions and was raised because of our justification.
Now talk about the way we actually get saved. It’s not just about what you believe, it’s about having FAITH…
James 2:19; You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder… So, lead them toward faith, which is a step beyond just believing.
John 1:12-13; But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God… (What is the next step of faith? It is actually receiving Jesus into your life. Be assured, that if you can’t think of a time you received Jesus, be assured, he’s not in there! Jesus does not enter your life by accident!) Check out this verse…
Romans 10:9-10,13; that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation… All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved… (This is such a simple yet profound declaration of faith in the finished work of Jesus).
4. After all this, then ask them the qualifying question… · Does this make sense to you?
Begin this conversation of clarity. Help them to think through this new information they’ve just received, or perhaps they have been challenged to see Jesus in a new way. Allow them to take some time to think about this important step but remind them that we are never guaranteed one more day.
Remember 2 Corinthians 6:2, “for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you, And on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”
5. Finally, try to close the deal. Ask the commitment question… If this makes sense to you, would you like to receive this gift of eternal life?
Don’t leave the person hanging. Maybe they’re ready to make a commitment to Jesus but don’t know their next steps. Ask! You have not because you ask not! We are inviting them to do something with the information they just discovered.
6. They might have a few more questions, so clarify their questions of commitment. Here are a few things to talk about…
Repentance of your sin – Mark 1:15; tells us, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
While repentance doesn’t save you, how can we say we are saved without it? Turning from sin and toward God is the essence of following Jesus. (Luke 5:32; 15:7,10; 24:47, Acts 2:38; 3:19; 8:22; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20; Romans 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9).
Clarify the concept of transferring TRUST – Mark 10:24 NKJV; – And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!
It is this trust that defines a believer. Will they trust their former sources of authority or will they trust Jesus, the one who has their back and looks out for them?
Then emphasize RECEIVING Jesus as Lord and Savior – Following Jesus is more than just believing the right stuff about him. The Bible is clear about receiving him…
John 1:12; But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,
Romans 5:17; For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:1 – Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then [or received it], and you still stand firm in it.
Finally, if they are ready, lead them in a PRAYER of commitment.
Try something like this: “God, I know that I have sinned against you and am deserving of punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. With your help, I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace and forgiveness – the gift of eternal life! Amen!”
You can pray this as they listen, or you can ask them to repeat after you, line for line. But don’t let them think there is some salvation magic by saying these words. God knows your heart and the commitment they are making.
8. Since the enemy is going to come after them, wanting to cause doubt about what they have done with Jesus, share a few verses of assurance…
John 6:47 – I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life.
1 John 5:13; These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.
9. After all of this, set-up a time to follow up with them.
Think about it, if we neglect actual children in our society, that’s a crime, so it is so important to follow up and care for our spiritual children. Left to themselves, they will fade away and die. Don’t neglect them. Take responsibility for their lives. Invest into them on a regular basis.
That’s it, the gospel presentation that can lead someone to faith in Jesus. It’s really not that hard. With a little practice, you can build your confidence in sharing the gospel with your lost sheep.
Also, in a few subsequent videos, I have recorded other ways to methods to the gospel using…
(Ezekiel 34:4,16; Zechariah 11:16, Psalm 147:3; Matthew 12:20) – Thank you for joining me for another edition of how we can better Shepherd God’s People. We’ve already covered the initial overview, Weak Sheep, and Sick Sheep, and today the lesson is on Broken Sheep.
Broken sheep are those who have been injured or wounded in some way. Sometimes the wound is a broken heart from the loss of a loved one in death, or even the death of one’s hopes and dreams. Sheep can be broken physically, but more often, they are broken emotionally, culturally, racially, economically, socially, or relationally. They need to be bandaged up and given a lot of TLC (tender loving care).
Others have had their WILL broken through the discipline of the Lord and need to be carried by the shepherd after their dislocated or broken legs are bound up. This is a wonderful picture of the shepherd carrying the broken sheep on his shoulders while the sheep and the shepherd mend together closer than ever.
Others have broken relationships that, apart from a third party (like a shepherd’s intervention), they are unlikely to be restored.
Shepherd’s Responsibility is to Bind Up the Broken
Let me share with you a few things you can do for your broken sheep…
1. Point them to Jesus (Psalm 34:18;147:3; Hebrews 12:2) The Bible teaches us that the Lord is near the broken-hearted. He also heals the broken-hearted and binds their wounds. We also know that Jesus focused on the joy set before him and endured the cross to bring reconciliation with the Father. Help your people to see past the pain of this moment in life and turn their eyes upon Jesus.
2. Pray that they would experience authentic peace. The Hebrew word “shalom” means peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility, and can be used practically to mean both hello and goodbye among Jewish people. In the Bible, shalom is seen in reference to the well-being of others (Genesis 43:27, Exodus 4:18), to treaties (1 Kings 5:12), and in prayer for the well-being of cities or nations (Psalm 122:6, Jeremiah 29:7).
Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27). When Jesus meets his disciples after the resurrection, he continually says to them, “Peace” (John 20:19,21,26). Under these circumstances it is obvious that the term “peace” is extraordinarily full of meaning. We understand this peace in relation to three things: peace with God, peace with others, and peace with self. The key word for this reality in the Bible is, “reconciliation.”
Shalom is really a prayer, wishing that the one with whom you are interacting would have “nothing missing, nothing broken.”
3. Share Bible promises that provide hope (Romans 15:4; 8:28) and peace; (Isaiah 9:6; Judges 6:22-24a; Isaiah 26:3-4; Philippians 4:6-7). We have hope through the encouragement we find in the Scriptures. We also have hope when we recognize that whatever life is throwing at us, God is still in charge and working things out behind the scenes. This hope is what can also bring peace, after all, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When peace is present, fear is cast away. When we totally rely upon God, anxiety fades and the peace that passes all comprehension resides inside of the believer.
4. Expose them to biographies and testimonies of other Christians that aren’t just survivors but are champions because of God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – Joni Eareckson-Tada, Chuck Colson, and stories of the persecuted church around the world – I love the book and film, “the Insanity of God” by Nik Ripkin).
5. Help them to adopt an eternal perspective. Check out 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. Adopt an eternal perspective. See life from God’s point of view.
6. Assist them to recognize their condition – 2 Corinthians 12:20-21; 13:5; Luke 24:47; Romans 5:17; 10:9-10; John 1:12-13; Romans 5:1,3; 2 Thessalonians 2:13
I have included in the notes several passages of Scripture describing the way we are, even believers who need rebuke at times. Here a just two…
In 2 Corinthians 12:2-21, Paul says, For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. 21 Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure.
Paul also challenges these believers to examine themselves to see if they are even of the faith – Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). This is such a good policy to run a diagnostic on your spiritual life to make sure you are more than just a cultural Christian. We need to be genuine and sold out for Jesus!
The Bible is also full of passages that reveal to us that forgiveness of sin is totally available and possible – check the notes below to read all these passages related to encouragement.
7. When you find someone to be addicted to something, offer to help them get into a nurturing group, like a support or recovery group. We cannot be so proud that we don’t seek help when we need it. Two wonderful verses are…
James 4:6; And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
2 Timothy 2:22; Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
To recognize the point when we need help is a sign of maturity. As shepherds, look out for your flock and lead them to get necessary help when they need. Help them to recognize their need before it is too late. I’ve included a list of the type of groups that may be needed, below in the notes.
So, how will you get involved in the life of your broken sheep?
Know your adults. Understand their situation, observe their lives and their relationships, their family situation.
Know your allies. You don’t have to minister to your broken sheep by yourself. Find resources that can help you minister to your flock. Resources can be support groups, pastoral help, counselors, books or pamphlets, helpful videos you’ve seen, helpful websites you’ve discovered.
Know your arsenal. Remember that God loves your broken sheep more than you do, and YOU don’t bind broken on your own, we all need help from God. So, pray for discernment, insight, wisdom, and success to bind up the broken.
Thank you for your concern from your sheep, and may God continue to bless you and your people as you learn how to better shepherd God’s people.
Let me remind you of the description of sick sheep: Some sheep are sick because they have physical health problems, while other people are spiritually sick. — Sick Sheep – Ezekiel 34:4,16
Sin-sick sheep often need to be reminded that the words “by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24-25) are just as applicable to a believer who has sinned as they are to an unbeliever. Jesus heals our sin-sick souls and cleanses us when we confess and repent.
Physically sick sheep often need a shepherd to provide care while they are sickly. In this era of COVID-19, the potential for sickness is fairly high, ranging from mild affliction or inconvenience to having deathly respiration troubles. As a shepherd, we have the wonderful opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to help bring wholeness back into someone’s life.
The point is… our small group is a relational environment, where those in our group walk together down this path of life. The path has many beautiful places to stop and enjoy but the dark side of life is also a reality that cannot be forgotten. How will we respond when our people, when our sheep, get sick?
While God is the Great Physician (Mark 2:17, Psalm 41:3, 103:2-3, 124:3, Isaiah 53:5, Jeremiah 30:17, Hosea 6:1, Job 5:18, Exodus 23:25, 1 Peter 2:24, ) and doctors and nurses are on the front lines when it comes to sickness, the community of faith can be the caring agent to our people reminding them that they are not alone, they are not forsaken.
When illness strikes a person or family, they may be more likely to respond in one of two ways… either they will get angry at God for his lousy care for them and lack of protection, or they will value life and community even more, recognizing their need for God, his sustaining presence, and be even more thankful for the people in the church.
Either way, small group leaders are on the front lines providing care, concern, practical help, guidance, encouragement, and counsel to those who are hurting.
It’s ALSO important to help sick sheep to discern the kind of sickness they are experiencing. Is it a sickness unto death, a sickness unto chastisement, a sickness to manifest the work of God and to glorify Him, or to teach contentment with the sufficiency of God’s Grace in the midst of sickness? I’ll talk about these in just a moment.
The Shepherd’s Responsibility is to Heal the Sick (physically)
Visit them in the hospital – when you discover someone is in the hospital, the shepherd immediately reaches out to find out how they are coping. This is in person or by phone call. Talk to the person, to the family, or other class member who might be taking the lead in reaching out to the sick person. Discover if there anything that the community of faith can do for them. How confidential is this illness? Can this sickness be shared with the faith community for prayer and encouragement?
Provide meals and childcare for the family – during hospitalizations and even deaths in the family – Lives are being disrupted and freedom from food preparation can be such a blessing in difficult times. Hey, you know this stuff and have seen application of this truth firsthand.
Serve the family in other ways – wash clothing, cut grass, watch their kids, small jobs, pick up groceries. What other things can you add to the list? Talk with your small group about what could be helpful to members when someone gets sick.
Ask if this sickness has become a financial burden. If so, how can you help? How can the church help? Communicate with the benevolence team about practical help.
Encourage them to seek out medical help when they are physically sick – Acts 28:8-9; 1 Timothy 5:23. This may seem like a no-brainer, but how often do people NOT visit a doctor when they’re ill? “I’ll be fine.” “I’m already getting better.” But sometimes a visit to the doctor will discover something else going on rather than just the ailment from which they are suffering. Offer transportation and go with them to the appointment, or to the “doc in a box.”
Remind them that the Lord is Jehovah Rapha – meaning “The Lord Heals” – Exodus 15:22-26; Deuteronomy 32:39; Psalm 103:1-4; 107:20; Proverbs 4:20-22; Jeremiah 17:14; 30:17a; 3 John 1:2. If this is one of God’s names, pray the name over the person. Find other healing Scriptures to read and pray over. A good book to read is the brief testimonial book by Sandy Guthrie, called, “In His Presence.”
Guide them in discerning prayer
Is it a sickness due to natural processes? Romans 8:20-23 = Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us.
Is it a sickness to manifest the work and glorify of God? John 9:1-3 = As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.
Is it a sickness to teach contentment with the sufficiency of God’s Grace in the midst of illness? 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 = even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Is it a sickness unto chastisement?
First Corinthians 11:28-33 = That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. 29 For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. 31 But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. 32 Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world. 33 So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other.
James 5:16 = Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Is it a sickness unto death? 1 John 5:16-17 = If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. 17 All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.
This is likely one of the most difficult passages in the Bible to interpret, but read this from the guys at Got Questions… [ drill down more here ]
The best interpretation may be found by comparing this verse to what happened to Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1–10 (see also 1 Corinthians 11:30). The “sin unto death” is willful, continuous, unrepentant sin.
Encourage them to call for the elders of the church to pray over them – James 5:14-16 = Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
The Shepherd’s Responsibility is to Heal the Sick (spiritually)
Confront the sin and disobedience they may be involved in
Romans 15:14-15 = I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them. 15 Even so, I have been bold enough to write about some of these points, knowing that all you need is this reminder.
First Corinthians 4:14 = I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.
Galatians 6:1 = Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
First Thessalonians 5: 14 = Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
Call for repentance of known sin and destructive patterns of behavior
Luke 17:3-4 = o watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. 4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
Second Corinthians 7:9-11 = Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 11 Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.
Second Corinthians 12:20-21 = For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. 21 Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure.
Revelation 2:5 = Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.
Revelation 2:16 = Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Revelation 2:21-22 = I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality. 22 “Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds.
Revelation 3:3 = Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.
Revelation 3:19 = I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Reassure them that forgiveness is always possible – 1 John 1:9 = But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
So, all this is to say that we have an opportunity to care for the people in our charge. Some may be weak (which we looked at last time) and some may be sick. As Leaders, we have a responsibility to get better at what we are doing for those in God’s family.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through Scripture as we look at the types of sheep that are mentioned in the Bible. I previously gave an introduction to the 7 sheep in the first lesson and here I will begin with the first type of sheep: Weak Sheep (Ezekiel 34:4)
Remember that weak sheep are not “unruly” or “fainthearted,” they simply do not have the strength to stand on their own without support. These Extra Grace Required (EGR) types need to be shepherded with patience. It’s important that these individuals don’t become co-dependent on you, the shepherd, but learn to ultimately stand on their own. It is important to remember this principle – “Weakness prolonged becomes willfulness.” You cannot create a dependency on yourself as the teacher, these sheep must learn to feed themselves and stand on their own.
Shepherd’s Responsibility is to Strengthen the Weak
First, What do Weak Sheep Need? Weak Sheep Need Support – How?
1. Enter into the weaknesses of those you are shepherding (2 Corinthians 11:29) – Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?
What will it take for you to enter into their weakness? Is it an issue of time? Are you too busy during the week to get involved in their lives? Is your shepherding limited to Sundays? Are you aware of any concerns dealing with family, health, life, addictions, finances, employment? What sort of network does your class have? Do you know when or how your people are struggling? How are your lines of communication with those in your group? Who in your group might be the best person to help a weak sheep? Remember that the best person to help may very well not be you, but someone in your class.
2. Talk about the sufficiency of God’s grace to strengthen us when we are weak.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10; – And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul was struggling with his thorn in the flesh and God focused on the sufficiency of his grace. How can we help our people see God is sufficient even when life does not go well, when life hurts, when times are hard, when tragedy strikes, and when life appears to be unfair? At these times our people can be at their weakest, ready to give up, throw in the towel, and just quit or even end it all. Our sheep need the presence of the Good Shepherd, but sometimes they need a shepherd with skin on. They are weak and need to be strengthened.
3. Distinguish between those who are weak and those who are fainthearted or unruly (1 Thessalonians 5:14) – We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Some people need to be admonished, (meaning to caution them, reprove them, or to warn them about something).
In this passage, Paul FIRST mentions those who are unruly (meaning those who are disorderly, out of ranks [like in the military], irregular, insubordinate, deviating from the prescribed order or breaking the rule). These are to be admonished.
SECOND, Paul mentions those who are fainthearted (the KJV translates this feeble-minded, but this word is also translated as “little-spirited.”) These types need to be encouraged.
But those who are weak are not to be admonished nor even encouraged, but rather, they are to be helped (hold fast, or supported, or being devoted to). This word translated “help” is used elsewhere in the New Testament…
By Jesus in Matthew 6:24 – No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
By Paul in Titus 1:9 – holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
The point is that Weak Sheep need to be helped. You must be devoted to them, hold on to them, and help them in their weakness.
Second, Discern Their Weakness
1. Discern whether they are “carnal weak” or “willful weak.” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) – And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
So, let’s break this down a little further.
2. Discern if they are just new babes in Christ [ carnal weak] You must spend time with them explaining their new life in Christ. These Weak Sheep need to be raised in the way they should go.
3. Discern if they are older Christians that are living fleshly lives [ carnal willful] With these sheep it is much more intimidating, it will require you explaining that their weakness has become willfulness. It may require admonishing them for their unruly behavior. At some point, church discipline might be in order.
Third, there are Sheep Who are Financially Weak
1. Explore the reasons for their financial shortage.
This image summarizes the following section of Financial Weakness
Get Rich Quick Schemes or Gambling – Proverbs 28:20,22;
Lack of Contentment – Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-8;
Lack of Christian Unity – believers are in this together and what we do affects others. Romans 15:25-27;2 Corinthians 8-9; these chapters are an extensive teaching on giving and generosity.
2. After you explore the reason for their financial situation, point them to Jehovah Jireh [“The Lord will Provide”] who is their Provider – rather than trusting in their wealth. Genesis 22:8; 14; Philippians 4:19; 1 Timothy 6:17
3. Direct them to a caring ministry in the church or some agency outside the church that could provide sound biblical counsel and financial help. Acts 20:35; Titus 3:14;
Fourth, there are Sheep with a Weak Conscience
1. Accept those with a weak conscience (Romans 14:1) – Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
3. Intentionally limit your freedom around them (1 Corinthians 8:9) But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.
4. Don’t try to strengthen their conscience to participate in some activity if they have doubts. 1 Corinthians 8:10-11; Romans 14:23;
5. Train their conscience over time with the Word of God so that they know biblically what is morally right and wrong and where they have freedom. Romans 2:14,15,18; 1 Timothy 4:2;
6. Assert your liberty in the face of weaker brothers who have established a man-made standard to judge the spirituality of others. Colossians 2:16; 1 Corinthians 10:29;
Fifth, there are Sheep that are Weak as a Result of Chastisement
1. Support brothers in Christ who have recognized their weakness being the result of the discipline of the Lord. Come along side of them and give them strength to overcome their weakness. When God is dealing with someone, it become a part of their story. They can embrace it and use their testimony to encourage others when they are weak. 1 Corinthians 11:30; Hebrews 12:12;
2. Challenge Weak Sheep to identify and confess the sins that have brought this chastisement upon themselves. 2 Corinthians 12:20-21; 2 Corinthians 13:1,5; 1 John 1:9;
3. Help these Weak Sheep to rejoice in the fact that this discipline proves that they are true believers. 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:8; Revelation 3:19;
4. Stress the importance of allowing this discipline to produce its intended results rather than running away from it. Hebrews 12:11; James 1:4;
So, it is so very important for the shepherd to help the weak sheep. We must do our homework, engage in prayer, get involved in Christian community, and seek to actively strengthen the weak. It takes time, but it is so worth it.
Thank you for being a part of this study. The verses I did not have time to read are listed below.
Next time, I will address Healing the Sick Sheep.
Credit for the original teaching goes to my mentor, teacher, and friend, Rick Leineweber.
A good Shepherd provides personalized care based upon the sheep’s spiritual condition. The prophets Ezekiel and Zechariah bring “woes” against the Shepherds of Israel that are described as “faithless,” “foolish” and “worthless.” The Shepherds of Israel that didn’t provide individualized care were accused of taking a position of leadership in order to just feed themselves rather than the flock of God’s people entrusted to them. God was not ambiguous about what He thought of these men – “I am against the Shepherds” (Ezekiel 34:10).
Ezekiel 34:1-16 and Zechariah 11:15-17 break the flock of God down into seven kinds of sheep that need specialized care. Each believer under your care, these people in your class, will move from one category to another depending upon their spiritual journey and life circumstances.
Let’s look at these two passages of Scripture:
Ezekiel 34:1-16 New Living Translation (NLT)
The Shepherds of Israel
34 Then this message came to me from the Lord: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds, the leaders of Israel. Give them this message from the Sovereign Lord: What sorrow awaits you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn’t shepherds feed their sheep? 3 You drink the milk, wear the wool, and butcher the best animals, but you let your flocks starve. 4 You have not taken care of the weak. You have not tended the sick or bound up the injured. You have not gone looking for those who have wandered away and are lost. Instead, you have ruled them with harshness and cruelty. 5 So my sheep have been scattered without a shepherd, and they are easy prey for any wild animal. 6 They have wandered through all the mountains and all the hills, across the face of the earth, yet no one has gone to search for them.
7 “Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, you abandoned my flock and left them to be attacked by every wild animal. And though you were my shepherds, you didn’t search for my sheep when they were lost. You took care of yourselves and left the sheep to starve. 9 Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. 10 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I now consider these shepherds my enemies, and I will hold them responsible for what has happened to my flock. I will take away their right to feed the flock, and I will stop them from feeding themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths; the sheep will no longer be their prey.
The Good Shepherd
11 “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search and find my sheep. 12 I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day. 13 I will bring them back home to their own land of Israel from among the peoples and nations. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel and by the rivers and in all the places where people live. 14 Yes, I will give them good pastureland on the high hills of Israel. There they will lie down in pleasant places and feed in the lush pastures of the hills. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign Lord. 16 I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak. But I will destroy those who are fat and powerful. I will feed them, yes—feed them justice!
Zechariah 11:15-17 New Living Translation (NLT)
15 Then the Lord said to me, “Go again and play the part of a worthless shepherd. 16 This illustrates how I will give this nation a shepherd who will not care for those who are dying, nor look after the young, nor heal the injured, nor feed the healthy. Instead, this shepherd will eat the meat of the fattest sheep and tear off their hooves.
17 “What sorrow awaits this worthless shepherd who abandons the flock! The sword will cut his arm and pierce his right eye. His arm will become useless, and his right eye completely blind.”
As we study these passages, you will see that God desires shepherds to:
Strengthen the weak
Heal the sick
Bind up the broken
Bring back the scattered
Seek the lost (perishing)
Seek the young
Feed the standing (healthy)
Today I want to present an overview to look at these sheep, and some scripture to help us know and minister to these people who are in our care.
Weak Sheep [Ezekiel 34:4]
Shepherd’s Responsibility: Strengthen the Weak
Description: Weak sheep are not necessarily “unruly” or “fainthearted,” they simply don’t have the strength to stand on their own without support (Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica, “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Sometimes, Extra Grace is Required (EGR), so these types need to be shepherded with patience. It’s also important that these individuals don’t become dependent on the shepherd, but learn to ultimately stand on their own. These sheep need to be able to one day feed themselves. It’s important to remember the principle “Weakness prolonged becomes willfulness.”
Hebrews 11:33-34 – who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 – And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?
Romans 7:15, 19, 22-23 – For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate… For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want…. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members.
Acts 20:35 – In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Broken Sheep [Ezekiel 34:4,16; Zechariah 11:16, Psalm 147:3; Matthew 12:20]
Shepherd’s Responsibility: Bind Up the Broken
Description: Broken sheep are those who have been injured or wounded in some way. Sometimes the wound is a broken heart from the loss of a loved one in death. They need to be bandaged up and given a lot of TLC (tender loving care). Others have had their will broken through the discipline of the Lord and need to be carried after their dislocated or broken legs are bound up. Others have broken relationships that, apart from a third party (like a shepherd’s intervention), are unlikely to be restored.
Psalm 147:2-3 – The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds.
Matthew 12:17-21 – This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
18 “Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen;
My Beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased;
I will put My Spirit upon Him,
And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
19 “He will not quarrel, nor cry out;
Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.
20 “A battered reed He will not break off,
And a smoldering wick He will not put out,
Until He leads justice to victory.
21 “And in His name the Gentiles will hope.”
Lost (Perishing) Sheep [Ezekiel 34:4,16; Zechariah 11:16, Luke 15:1-7]
Shepherd’s Responsibility: Seek the Lost. These people need to hear the plan of salvation
Description: Every flock is just one generation away from extinction. Every shepherd is one generation away from unemployment. As shepherds, we must not rely on “transfer growth” (sheep stealing from another flock) to increase our flock size but must be actively and intentionally seeking out lost people who are perishing. This includes finding new and innovative ways to introduce church life to those who feel “cut off.” These folks feel there are no points of re-entry into the congregation.
Ezekiel 34:4 – … the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them.
Ezekiel 34:16 – “I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; …
Luke 15:1-7 – Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. 2 Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So He told them this parable, saying, 4 “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Scattered/Driven Away Sheep [Ezekiel 34:4,5,6,8,16, Matthew 9:36-38]
Shepherd’s Responsibility: Bring Back the Scattered
Description: The longer you wait to retrieve scattered sheep, the less likely they are to return. Some have strayed on their own for a variety of reasons, but others have been “driven away.” It’s the shepherd’s responsibility to make a sincere and conscientious attempt to bring them back.
Matthew 9:36-38 – Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
Ezekiel 34:6 – My flock wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill; My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them.
Ezekiel 34:8 – …My shepherds did not search for My flock,…
Ezekiel 34:16 – I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; …
Sick Sheep [Ezekiel 34:4,16]
Shepherd’s Responsibility: Heal the Sick (physically)
Description: Some sheep that are sick have physical health problems while others are spiritually sick. Sin-sick sheep often need to be reminded that the words “by whose stripes you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24-25) are just as applicable to a believer who has sinned as they are to an unbeliever. Physically sick sheep often need a shepherd to provide care while they are sickly. It’s also important to help sick sheep to discern the kind of sickness they are experiencing. Is it a sickness unto death, a sickness unto chastisement, a sickness to manifest the work of God and to glorify Him, or to teach contentment with the sufficiency of God’s Grace in the midst of sickness?
1 Peter 2:24-25 – and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
John 11:14 – But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”
1 John 5:16 – If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this.
1 Corinthians 11:32 – But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.
Hebrews 12:4-6 – You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 5 and you have forgotten the exhortation, which is addressed to you as sons,
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
Nor faint when you are reproved by Him;
6 For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
And He scourges every son whom He receives.”
Young Sheep [Zechariah 11:16]
Shepherd’s Responsibility: Seek the Young
Description: Young sheep are very vulnerable and impressionable. The pattern that is set for them in those early years of their newly found faith is usually characteristic of the rest of their Christian lives. Getting off to a good start is so important. A newborn baby in the natural world needs lots of attention; parents who don’t provide specialized care are often accused by civil authorities of child neglect or abuses.
It’s no different in the spiritual world. It is so important to pour into the lives of young sheep!
There is plenty we can do to raise up these young sheep to make a significant difference in the lives of other around them. The goal is to move them from infancy to adolescence, to adulthood, and eventually into parenthood (making disciples of others). This is all about the Discipleship Pathway and our Small Group Strategy.
Standing (Healthy) Sheep [Zechariah 11:16]
Shepherd’s Responsibility: Feed the Standing
Description: Sheep that are “healthy” have the greatest potential for spiritual growth. They also represent the pool of individuals from which workers and future leaders will come, those who can move the church’s mission forward. Unfortunately, these individuals are often neglected because we are in crisis mode dealing with other kinds of sheep. The old saying is often true, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” It is important to set up a “growth plan” and work with them so that they can progress further rather than becoming complacent or stagnant. This is intentional discipleship that has the end goal in mind from the very beginning. We can easily see of the disciple is making progress toward the biblical image of Christ himself.
Credit for the original teaching goes to my mentor, teacher, and friend, Rick Leineweber.
