"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." Acts 20:28
Throughout the Bible the picture of sheep being looked after by a shepherd is used to describe God's people and their leaders. In the New Testament the spiritual leaders of the church are frequently described as ‘shepherds' (e.g. Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4). The word ‘pastor' occurs only once in the English translation of the Bible (Ephesians 4:11) and the original Greek word is ‘shepherd'. In the Cell Church each Cell Leader is a shepherd of his or her own ‘flock', the cell group. While the role of Cell Leader is very different from the role of pastor/teacher or minister of a whole congregation, the Cell Leader, nevertheless, has spiritual responsibility for his or her own group.
In Ezekiel 34 God speaks against the shepherds of Israel, the spiritual leaders of his people. Although speaking from a negative point of view, this passage shows us clearly the things God expects from the leaders of his people, his shepherds.
Read the whole of Ezekiel chapter 34.
What does God expect of his shepherds? (verses 2-4)
Shepherds should:
Consequences for the flock when they have no shepherd, or when the shepherd is worthless, caring only for himself: (verses 5-6)
Consequences for the worthless shepherd: (verse 10)
The actions of a good shepherd: (verses 11-24)
God's promises when the shepherds do well: (verses 25-31)
The flock will have:
It is clear from the above passage that God considers the role of the shepherd-leader critical to the well being of his people. As a Cell Leader you can make a vital difference in the spiritual lives of your group members. It does not require expert knowledge or the commitment of a full time job. Taking an interest in their lives and simply ‘being there' for them will have a real impact.
Luis Salas is a leader in one of the world's foremost cell churches. His example is instructive: "Luis Salas believes that a vital key in cell group growth and multiplication is personal visitation. He counsels those under him to make immediate contact with newcomers. ‘I don't stay more than one half-hour per visit', he told us. He realises that people have other commitments and appreciate someone who respects their time." (Groups of Twelve, page 85). Cell members themselves may be encouraged to visit fellow members in need, but the Cell Leader must take the lead.
The purpose of visiting cell members is always to encourage them in their walk with God; to encourage growth in all areas of life and faith.
Some Pointers for Visiting:
If members are willing, organise a Prayer Chain. Use the cell membership list. When a need arises, a member contacts the Cell Leader first, the Leader then passes on appropriate details to the next person on the list. That person contacts the next, and so on. In this way group members can give each other mutual support, and the Cell Leader can vet requests to ensure inappropriate details are not passed on.
"To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow-elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." 1 Peter 5:1-4
E8.11 Shepherding the Flock - Version 3 – Mar 11