Scripture exhorts leaders to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them” (1 Pet. 5:2). That may include the church body at large but also ministry staff, both paid and volunteer, as a sub-group. We need to think through how to lead our staff by shepherding as they will be those who go out to care for other groups of people within the body. By intentionally shepherding staff members, we provide an example for them to do the same.
A Starting Point for Leaders in Shepherding the Staff
Begin by heeding God’s instruction to “be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds” (Prov. 27:23). We need to make this a continual process of assessment “for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations” (Prov. 27:24). To increase the potential of a spiritually prosperous and growing state of ministry, we must have a continual awareness of the condition of staff entrusted to our care. People don’t tend to stay in the same place so their needs may change.
Knowing the condition of the flock, we’ll have a better idea of how to effectively shepherd them. What kind of nourishment do they require, not just for skill development but also to nourish their souls? Do they need to be warned in any way? Are there wounds that should be bound up, so hurts don’t fester and become a major problem? What kind of safety measure should be put in place to protect them? Is it time to lead someone to a new pasture, perhaps to different responsibilities or a completely new area of ministry?
What it Takes to Know the Condition of Staff
We will do well in assessing the condition of staff members by doing the following:
Observe: Watch people as they serve with a view to learning where they need help and encouragement. Make note of areas to affirm and extend appreciation.
Communicate: We will never know some of their needs unless we take time to personally interact with them. Don’t assume someone is doing well because of what you see in your observation.
Pray: Invest much prayer into this process. Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) as needs may not always be obvious and people aren’t always forthcoming.
Want More Help with This?
- Also Read: Shepherds Need to Know the Condition of the Flock
- Check Out This Resource: Shepherding Ministry Manual
- For More About Shepherding, Go To: Resources to Help Leaders in Their Role as Shepherds
- For More About Staffing, Go To: Church Ministry Staffing Resources
All Posts about Staffing:
- Church Staff Expectations
- Communicating Expectations to Church Staff
- Church Staff: Expect Alignment with Church Purpose
- Church Staff: Expect Adherence to Body Life Principles
- Church Staff: Expect Pursuit of God’s Mission
- Church Staff: Expect Christ-like Character & Integrity
- Church Staff: Expect Reliance on God’s Power
- Church Staff: Expect a Partnership Mentality
- Encourage Church Staff to Grow in Grace
- Encourage Church Staff to Walk by the Spirit
- Encourage Church Staff to Use Their Spiritual Gifts
- Spiritual Gifts Best Suited for Staffing Ministry
- Encourage Church Staff to Pray Without Ceasing
- Encourage Church Staff to Regularly Feast on God’s Word
- Lead Staff by Shepherding
- Encourage Church Staff to Be Strong in the Lord
- Encourage Staff to Do Everything in His Name
- Encourage Staff to Set Their Hearts & Minds on Things Above
This is a great teaching and needed in the body the Church for better growth and harvest..
Indeed, Isaiah Kamau, we grow and bear fruit when we do ministry God’s way, as seen in His Word, through His power at work in and through us.