The Great and Good Shepherd
- Mark Lauterbach
- Jul 20, 2010
- Series: The Flock of God
God's purpose is to paint a picture of the Gospel in every local church. Of course, when the good news is no longer believed or proclaimed, that is no longer a church.
The first reflection of the Gospel is when the church and its members live by faith toward their true Shepherd. All considerations and practices of the leadership of a church begin with magnifying Christ -- placing him in his unique place. There is no one like him. He is the Shepherd who knows, loves, dies for, leads, and protects the sheep. He is the one who goes before each flock. All sub-shepherds are dim reflections of Him.
A church is best led when they have their eyes on the Great Shepherd. They are called to look at Him. They are not to look at the path of his appointing, or their fellow sheep, or at themselves, or even look to their shepherds. They are to look beyond their leaders to the One True Leader. The best pastors are men at their best. The best pastors offer nothing to the flock except Christ, the true pastor. Churches thrive when they trust the One who is Shepherd and Savior. Pastors serve their flocks best when they call people to Christ.
Consider more by listening to our lastest sermon HERE.