Over 100 times in scripture, the word shepherd or shepherds is used to denote leadership either in a negative or a positive sense.
Famously, David makes use of the metaphor when he proclaims, “The Lord is my shepherd,” in Psalm 23.
Out of all the words used in scripture, none describe better the role of spiritual leadership than shepherd.
The New Testament exhorts local church leaders to, “shepherd the flock among you.”
“…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:2-4).
IFCA pastors and local church leaders must, above all, be characterized as that which is becoming of a “good shepherd.”
Jesus described himself this way when He said, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, . . . (John 10:11, 14).” This takes on special meaning when we also consider that Jesus Christ is also the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29, 36). This Shepherd is also The Lamb! To use a contemporary idiom, we are to be servant-leaders.
I pray you will be encouraged and find helpful resources as you access the IFCA website, equipping you to be good shepherds of God’s flock!
The Monthly Five
A Theology for the Church, by Daniel L. Akin - ISBN: 9780805426403
A solid work of nearly 1000 pages, 'A Theology for the Church' addresses four major issues in regard to eight Christian doctrines. The four key questions it addresses are: What does the Bible say? What has the Church believed? How do the doctrines fit together? How does each doctrine impact the church today? To name just a few, the contributors include R. Albert Mohler, Jr., Paige Patterson, Timothy George, Daniel Akin, and Mark Dever. 992 pp. Hardcover.
The Majesty of God in the Old Testament, by Walter C. Kaiser Jr - ISBN: 9780801032448
“Kaiser unpacks the vast wealth of several key Old Testament passages about God and his glory. These studies are wonderful and instructive examples of how to do biblical exposition and are especially fine examples of how to deal with ‘Old Testament’ passages. But much more than that, each chapter will bring you face to face with the divine majesty in a powerful and life-changing way. Clear, straightforward, accessible, and precise, this is a superb resource in every way.” —John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher, Grace Community Church. 176 pp. Softcover.
When You’ve Been Wronged, by Erwin W. Lutzer - ISBN: 9780802488978
Bitterness is a self-inflicted wound. By choosing not to forgive, we voluntarily sentence ourselves to diminished, pain-filled lives. Noted pastor and author Erwin Lutzer carefully illustrates how it is possible to right the wrongs in our lives. Whether we’ve been wronged or have wronged others, he shows how it possible to experience the freedom of forgiveness and restoration. Nancy Leigh DeMoss says, "This book is full of rich biblical insight and practical instruction which, if heeded, will prove to be the pathway to freedom and perhaps the revival we so desperately need." 176 pp. Softcover.
Love That Lasts, by Gary and Betsy Ricucci - ISBN: 1581347820 “‘Love That Lasts’ is thoroughly biblical, very practical, and quite convicting. The Ricuccis write not from an ivory-tower mindset but from their own experience of working through to a successful marriage. Every Christian couple should benefit from this book.” —Jerry Bridges, Author, ‘The Pursuit of Holiness.’ “If you knew Gary and Betsy like I do, if you could see them together and feel the warmth, respect, and deep romantic love that they have for one another, you would snatch up this book and read it just to learn all you could from them. I recommend that you do so! They live what they write about, and that’s what makes their book so compelling.” —Joshua Harris, Senior Pastor, Covenant Life Church, Gaithersburg, Maryland. 176 pp. Softcover.
Generations of Grace, Teaching the whole counsel of God to the next generation. Biblically Based Curriculum, ages 3 to 6th grade. • “Centered on God and His Word.”—Students learn about God’s character through His work in the lives of the men and women of Scripture. • “A Unified Curriculum.”—Each age group learns the same lesson each week, making family discussions more profitable. • “Rich in Resources.”—Each lesson includes key truths, objectives, and application points, as well as ideas for activities and crafts.
Quotable Quote
"Light may seem at times to be an impertinent intruder, but it is always beneficial in the end. The type of religion which rejoices in the pious sound of traditional phrases, regardless of their meanings, or shrinks from 'controversial' matters, will never stand amid the shocks of life. In the sphere of religion, as in other spheres, the things about which men are agreed are apt to be the things that are least worth holding; the really important things are the things about which men will fight."
A Theology for the Church
When You’ve Been Wronged
