Cameroon Bible Institute

CHAPTER 6:
LEADING LIKE A SHEPHERD;
Another analogy or natural parallel illustrating leadership is that of a shepherd. In the natural
world, a shepherd is one who cares for sheep. A “fold” is a group or flock of sheep. In the
spiritual world, people are compared to sheep. We are either sheep who have gone astray
spiritually (Isaiah 53:6) or who have become part of the “fold” or “flock” of the Lord.
Jesus referred to Himself as the “Good Shepherd” and explained in detail what shepherding
involves. This example is one of the greatest illustrations of spiritual leadership (see John 10).
To be an effective leader, you must not only know the Good Shepherd and be related to Him
personally, you must also learn how to lead like a shepherd.
Peter confirms that we are to lead like shepherds:
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof…
(I Peter 5:2)
Since Jesus called Himself the “Good Shepherd,” then we must study His example of ministry to
understand principles of shepherding. Turn to John 10 in your Bible and use it to guide you as
you study these basic principles of shepherding:
The first principle that must be understood is that there is only one fold and one shepherd. The
“fold” is the Church which is composed of all born again believers. The “shepherd” is Jesus
Christ. There is only one way into the fold, and that is through Jesus:
I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in
and out, and find pasture. (John 10:9)
…and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:16)
In the natural world, human shepherds divide their flocks from other flocks because it is easier
and more practical to care for them. They can only be responsible and care for so many. This is
true also in spiritual leadership. But in reality, there is only one fold. It is made up of all true
believers who belong to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. As a leader or “shepherd,” you are
actually an “under-shepherd.” You serve over part of His flock “under” the direction of the
Good Shepherd.
Always remember that divisions of denomination, organization, and local church fellowships are
made by man and exist only to permit personal care and practical organization. In reality, there
is only one fold.
Do not try to separate “your flock” from other people in the flock of the Good Shepherd by
denominationalism. Do not be concerned with building “your flock” of denomination or the
local fellowship. Be concerned with building the flock of the Good Shepherd. Do not set rules
and regulations of man to exclude some sheep. Jesus declares, “Whosoever will may come,” as
long as they come through the door of the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s fold is not exclusive. The door is open to all of His sheep:
And other sheep, I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring,
and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
(John 10:16)
Thank you