Session 01 - Points
Importance
of mutual shepherding within the church.
1.
Shepherding one another is crucial for building up the body of Christ. Brother
suggests that God will evaluate believers based on how well they cared for
others.
2. Every
believer, regardless of their spiritual maturity, needs shepherding and should
also shepherd others. This mutual care allows the church to build itself up in
life.
3. Brother
quotes another Christian leader who emphasized that the most effective way to
save people and revive the church is through small groups where everyone is a
shepherd to one another.
4. Brother
acknowledges that the concept of mutual shepherding is not yet fully practiced
in many local churches, but believes it is possible and necessary for every
church to become a shepherding church.
5.
Ultimately, Brother points to Christ as the perfect example of a shepherd and
encourages believers to imitate Him by tenderly caring for and ministering to
the needs of others in the church.
Just as a
shepherd tends to his flock,
We are
called to care for each other, to take stock
Of the
needs around us, to nurture and feed
The souls
in our church family, to lead
With the
heart of our Savior, the ultimate guide.
In mutual
shepherding, let's not hide
Our own
need for care, but humbly receive
As we
minister love, and barriers leave.
For in this
way, the body of Christ will grow,
Revived and
vibrant, His life on show.
So let us
pursue this simple yet profound call,
To shepherd each other, one and all.
This Hymn highlights the mutual shepherding within the church, the importance of caring for one another's needs, and the ultimate goal of building up the body of Christ. It also points to Christ as the model shepherd and the source of life for the church.
The
spiritual burden
The urgent
need for mutual shepherding within the church. every believer, not just leaders
or those who are spiritually mature, should actively care for and minister to
others in the church. This shepherding involves tenderly attending to others'
needs, feeding them spiritually, and nurturing their growth in Christ.
This mutual
shepherding is essential for the health and growth of the church. the lack of
shepherding has led to a shortage of fruit and various troubles within the
church. On the other hand, when believers take up the call to shepherd one
another, it can lead to revival and the building up of the body of Christ.
Christ as
the good shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. Believers are called to
imitate this sacrificial, caring heart in their relationships with one another.
if this vision of mutual shepherding is embraced, it will revolutionize
individual lives and the church as a whole.
Ultimately, Church to reflect the heart of Christ by becoming a shepherding community where every member is both cared for and caring for others. This is the path to experiencing the life and growth that God intends for His people.
The Revelation of the Truth
1.
Shepherding is the responsibility of all believers, not just for elders. Every
member of the church, regardless of their spiritual maturity, should be
involved in caring for others.
2. Mutual
shepherding is essential for the health and growth of the church. When
believers shepherd one another, the body of Christ is built up and experiences
revival.
3.
Shepherding is not primarily about teaching or problem-solving, but about
ministering the life of Christ to others. It involves tenderly caring for
others' needs and nurturing their spiritual growth.
4. Small
groups or "vital groups" are a key context for mutual shepherding. In
these intimate settings, every member can function as a shepherd to one
another.
5. Christ
is the ultimate model for shepherding. He laid down His life for the sheep and
continues to care for His people. Believers are called to imitate this
sacrificial, loving heart in their relationships.
6. The
practice of mutual shepherding is often lacking in the church today, but it is
possible and necessary for every church to become a shepherding community.
7. When the
church embraces mutual shepherding, it will experience the life, growth, and
revival that God intends. This simple yet profound practice has the power to
transform individual lives and the church as a whole.
Shepherding is the sole responsibility of elders. Instead, they present a vision of the church as a community where every member is actively involved in caring for and ministering to one another, following the example of Christ, the good shepherd.
Q1: Who is
the ultimate shepherd of God's people?
A1: Jesus
Christ is the good shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." (John 10:11)
Q2: What
is the responsibility of church elders in relation to shepherding?
A2: Church elders
are called to Shepherd the flock of God, serving as overseers and patterns (1 Peter
5:2-3).
"Shepherd the flock of God among you, overseeing not under compulsion but willingly, according to God; not by seeking gain through base means but eagerly; Nor as lording it over your allotments but by becoming patterns of the flock." (1 Peter 5:2-3)
Q3: How
can believers minister to one another in the church?
A3:
Believers should exhort and build one another up in love (Hebrews 10:24-25).
"And let us consider one another so as to incite one another to love and good works, Not abandoning our own assembling together, as the custom with some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more as you see the day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Q4: What
is the goal of mutual shepherding within the church?
A4: The
goal is to grow in Christlikeness and build up the body of Christ (Ephesians
4:15-16).
"But holding to truth in love, we may grow up into Him in all things, who is the Head, Christ, Out from whom all the Body, being joined together and being knit together through every joint of the rich supply and through the operation in the measure of each one part, causes the growth of the Body unto the building up of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16)
Q5: What
attitude should believers have as they care for one another?
A5:
Believers should have the same mindset as Christ, humbly serving one another
(Philippians 2:3-5).
"Doing nothing by way of selfish ambition nor by way of vainglory, but in lowliness of mind considering one another more excellent than yourselves; Not regarding each his own virtues, but each the virtues of others also. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus," (Philippians 2:3-5)
Notes from the Lessons on Shepherding for the Northern California Working Saints.