Shepherding

What is the goal of those believers who strive to teach the doctrines of scripture?

To translate the intended messages of scripture into the vernacular understandable to their audience and to make the messages memorable using present day illustrations.

First, the under-shepherd must cultivate, preparing the environment such that the ground is suitable for planting, nurturing, growing and presenting the product for harvest.

Next to plant the right seed, and not a tare which might look like the gospel, but will sprout a weed. Or present the gospel as fire insurance, something you buy with a short prayer, then put in your back pocket for the day of judgment. Easy Believism anyone?

Next comes the watering during the period of assessment, addressing the valid concerns like do I have to fix myself first before Christ will accept me. And of course the answer is no. We come just as we are.

The harvest of course is done exclusively by God, He alone puts believers into Christ. But the shepherds facilitate the harvest by preparing the person to make a full blown commitment to Christ, both as their Savior, and as their Lord, meaning they are prepared to follow Christ upon His paths of righteousness , no matter the cost.

The next need usually arising from conversion is a person thirsting, like a deer panting after water, for training on how to know the guidance in scripture, and how to use it to better serve Christ. And the necessary action, In a word, Discipleship.

 

Acts of the Apostles 20:28 NASB
Watch out for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God that he obtained with the blood of his own Son.

 

By his wounds you were healed. For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Shepherding involves helping people to repent, making clear that they need to change course, but in a gentle loving way, never coming on as a holier than thou bible thumper.