Link to other
Writings of David Chadwell Acts 20:28 “Be on guard
for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers, to shepherd the church of God which he purchased with His own blood”
(Acts 20:28, NASV).
The leadership style of shepherding is an ancient emphasis on godly leadership
among God’s people. God wants His people to be led by those whose focus is on
God, not controlled by those who are focused on human priorities or human
agendas.
This leadership style always was God’s leadership style. In 1 Samuel 8 when
Israel wanted a king, their desire was (a) for the wrong motives and (b) a
distinct change in leadership styles. God never tolerated leadership over His
people by evil men. The key solution to Samuel’s sons being evil (verse 3) was
national repentance, not a change in leadership styles. God led. Humans
dictated.
After God explained that kings were (a) expensive and (b) easily corrupted,
Israel still insisted that the answer to their problems was a king—he would make
them like other nations, he would judge them, and he would choose their battles
and lead them into battle [they would become aggressors, not victims].
Their solution became their disaster. King Saul became blinded by dedication to
his own power. His fears and insecurities determined his policies. King Solomon
was blinded by his building programs and foreign wives. He lost sight of the
needs of God’s people. Rehoboam committed to Solomon’s leadership style, not the
needs of God’s people. The result: in only 120 years, Israel permanently
divided.
The only exception was King David [not our choice because he committed adultery
and murder]. When Israel came to David in Hebron (2 Samuel 5), they asked him to
be their king. King Saul was consumed with himself. They wanted a change in
leadership style. They wanted a shepherd. Before David was pursued by King Saul,
they said Saul was king, but David was their shepherd. They considered David’s
leadership style a mandate from God (1 Samuel 5:2). The fact that God’s style of
leadership over Israel was that of a shepherd is inferred in 1 Samuel 7:7.
The emphasis on elders leading in the style of shepherds was [is] ancient, not
new.
God has tremendous interest in people. Good shepherds have tremendous interest
in the flock. God wants men to lead His people out of concern for the righteous
well-being of the people. The church is God’s people. It is not about money,
property, or society’s dictates. It is about the well-being of people. The
“bottom line” always is this: what is in the best interest of people.
Blessed is the congregation who is led by men who are concerned about people.
This is a difficult age often consuming people with society’s values instead of
God’s. It is easy to tell people what they should do. It is demanding to be
concerned for them in their struggles when they fail. “Do not be content to tell
me I messed up! Love me when I fail [just as does God] and show me how to
recover in Christ.”
Link to other
Writings of David Chadwell
