The Work of Shepherds (2)

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11.1

The Book of Pastoral Rule
Gregory the Great (ca. 540-604)
“For who could so blamelessly have had principality over men as He who would in fact have reigned over those whom He had Himself created?...He fled from the offered glory of pre-eminence, but desired the pain of an ignominious death; that so His members might learn to fly from the favours of the world, to be afraid of no terrors, to love adversity for the truth’s sake, and to shrink in fear from prosperity; because this often defiles the heart through vain glory, while that purges it through sorrow; in this the mind exalts itself, but in that, even though it had once exalted itself, it brings itself low…”

Jesus set the example for the shepherds of His flock by following a course of self-denial, sacrificial giving, and devoted service to the needs of others. He eschewed all honors of men and never sought any material advantage from His efforts. He cultivated and sustained a rich spiritual life, and resisted every temptation to sin. He laid down His life for His sheep, and loved them to the end of His days. Paul followed in His example, and commanded us to do the same. Shepherding God’s flock is hard work. It requires firm commitment, daily revival, and growing attention to all the skills and demands of the work. We must guard our hearts and lives against seeing pastoral ministry as a means to personal gain. Instead, let us always be emptying ourselves, dying to ourselves, and sacrificing our own convenience for the sake of God’s flock (Phil. 2.5-11).

In what specific ways do you try to follow the example of Christ in shepherding His flock?

T. M. Moore

Fan into Flame
Our book, Fan into Flame, is a handbook on the work of pastors and shepherds. It explains the context and calling of the shepherd, as well as the tools available to us for this work; and it provides useful tools for assessment and planning to improve in the Lord’s calling. This is an excellent resource for leadership training or personal growth into Christ. Order your copy by clicking here. Or contact me about our Pastoral Hope Initiative, during which series of assessments we walk through this handbook and various other resources together. Watch this brief video, then drop me a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from Gregory,The Book of Pastoral Rule,in Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, eds., Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 12(Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1895, 1995).