The Heart and Life of a Shepherd Leader

The Heart and Life of a Shepherd Leader

1 Timothy 3:1-7

12-15-19

John 10:27 - Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

John 10:12 - “He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, …sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.”

Ezekiel 34:2 - “…Says the Lord God… shepherds of Israel…you have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?”   

I. Qualifications for Shepherd Leaders

1. Desires to Shepherd. (1 Timothy 3:1)

“Desires” - Stretches outward for it, really wants it

“Noble” - Good, pleasing, attractive, commendable

“Task” - Labor, work, calling

2. Lives a Christ-like life. (1 Timothy 3:2-3)

“Not absolute perfection but continual direction of Christ-likeness.”

360 Evaluation:

- Tim and Danielle have both welcomed me into their home several times for a meal. Tim and I have had conversations about faith, ministry, and service that have given me confidence in his relationship with God and his dedication to serve and share the Gospel with others.

- His leadership in his home, his career, and his C-group are evidence of his ability to lead.

Titus 1:5 - “This is why I left you there (Titus)…that you would appoint elders in every town.” 

1 Corinthians 4:17 – “That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.”   

3. Teaches God’s Word effectively to others.  (1 Timothy 3:2)

i. Is he feeding the sheep versus beating or pleasing the sheep?

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - “…like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God…”

ii. Is he intentionally discipling others with his life and teaching?

2 Timothy 2:2 - “…what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

360 Evaluation:  

- Tim knows the scriptures well and takes care to give wise counsel; passionate about the Word and an excellent communicator.

- I have observed a maturing and growing… I have noticed a less pragmatic approach to his thinking and a more Bible centric approach to his principles.

- Tim understands core biblical truths and I have seen him apply them to everyday life. He is passionate about the Gospel and will not hesitate to proclaim the good news.

4. Shepherds his own home well. (1 Timothy 3:4-5)

Danielle’s 360 Evaluation:  

- Tim is a wonderful husband, incredible father and does a great job leading our household.

- Not materialistic and cares about proper stewardship.

- He always wants to know how he can improve and ensure he’s properly teaching God’s Word and presenting it faithfully.

- He needs to remember to keep being aware of….

5. Proven spiritual growth over time. (1 Timothy 3:6)

360 Evaluation:

- I’ve seen growth in him throughout our marriage and his Christian walk; since attending MCC I’ve seen huge growth in areas that have been difficult, like practicing radical hospitality.

6. Good reputation outside the Church. (1 Timothy 3:7)

360 Evaluation:

- Great guy to work with and know.

- High character, professional, honest, patient.

- Really good reputation with people at work.

II. Plans for Our Elders to Shepherd Better.

1. Contacting the covenant members once a month.

Hebrews 13:17 - “…your leaders …are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account…”

2. Shepherding the Community Group leaders.

Matthew 17:1  - “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.”

3. Discipling upcoming leaders.

2 Timothy 2:1-2  - “…what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.  

Questions for This Week to Grow Deeper

1. What is one way you have seen God work in your life this week?

2. Discuss a Gospel conversation you have had lately. Pray for someone who needs Christ.

3. What did you learn from 1 Timothy 3:1-7?

4. Why is it important to have biblical and Christ-like men overseeing a local church? (Hebrews 13:17, Luke 6:40, 1 Peter 5:1-5, James 5:14-15, Titus 1:9 1 Corinthians 4:17, Matthew 18:15-22 and Acts 20:28-30)

5. Discuss with your family the value of the Elder team contacting all members monthly and in what ways this can help MCC.

6. How often do you pray for your church and government leaders? Why is prayer important? Pray for your leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-4