Shepherding the Flock of God
I heard a pastor say that “the greatest work is done by mothers with young children. And the distant second is pastoral work.” Both parenting at home and spiritual parenting at church are demanding and rewarding. Caring of souls requires hard work and even involves heartaches. It is also one of the most joyous and glorious works anyone can participate in. When I think about how the LORD considered me trustworthy to entrust his beloved people, and how I get to serve as his under-shepherd, I marvel. I am humbled and grateful to serve as a pastor at New Hope and I want to continue to make progress as a pastor.
When it comes to care of souls, we do it together. Shepherding is not a one-man show. No one is fit to do it apart from God’s calling and grace and also without being part of a team. That’s why I am so grateful for the pastoral team, our elders, deacons, Life Group leaders and ministry team leaders. Especially given our current situation with the pandemic, we need more intentional and creative ways to care for our own souls as well as the souls of others. However we do it, we need you to be part of a small group where we are known, cared for and caring for one another.
Chris Surrat in his recent article on Small Group ministry wrote the following: “We’re now at a turning point in history where I believe one major shift must take place for the church to not only survive but thrive in what will be the “new normal.” Churches can no longer offer small groups as an option for assimilation and spiritual growth for members, but they will have to be the option. Small groups of 20 people or less in homes are now the church. Gone (at least for the near future) are mass worship gatherings with people packed into a Sunday-morning service at one location…. Now, I don’t believe this is a move toward autonomous house churches with little-to-no spiritual oversight and governance. We still need the guidance an organized local church brings to the body of Christ. I do see the future church, however, as a more robust organization of small groups meeting in homes to fellowship, study, and worship together under the umbrella of ordained pastors and church leaders.” I cannot agree with him more.
What does it mean for our church? We will need our members to be part of a small group where each of us can grow as followers of Jesus through Word, prayer, fellowship and being on a mission together with others. Many of our small groups are taking a break in the summer months and we will start a new season of our Life Groups in the fall. If you have not been part of a small group, you need to be part of one in near future. You want to be part of one. If you don’t want to wait till later to be plugged into a small group, please let me know. There will be summer small groups and other ways to stay connected in small groups (including Sunday live lounge).
With greater need and emphasis for a small group ministry, there will also be a greater need for more small group leaders. If God has given you a desire to serve as a small group leader, do not push it aside. It is no coincidence that you have the desire to serve in that capacity. The church will provide support and training for you to grow as a leader. We plan to provide more intentional training for the small group leaders in the coming months. If you want to be part of the shepherding leadership and shepherd the flock of God with me and other servant-leaders at New Hope, please sign up to serve as a LG leader here, and check the box beside “Life Groups.” You will start as an apprentice and be trained to be a leader. We will grow together as shepherd-leaders and it will be one of the most rewarding experiences for you.
“And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). May we be standing side-by-side receiving those glorious crowns after our years of shepherding and serving together.
