Qualifications of a Shepherd | REV3 = Revitalize, Energize, Visualize

This is a shepherd of a church, not physical sheep, but metaphorical sheep as mentioned in the Bible.

Therefore an overseer must have:
> desire to do the work
Therefore an overseer must be:
> above reproach
> the husband of one wife
> sober-minded
> self-controlled
> respectable
> hospitable
> able to teach
> not a drunkard
> not violent
> gentle
> not quarrelsome
> not a lover of money
> He must manage his own household well with all dignity, keeping his children submissive. For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?
> He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
> Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Titus 1:6-9
He must be:
> above reproach
> the husband of one wife
> his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination
> God’s steward
> hospitable
> a lover of good
> self-controlled
> upright
> holy
> disciplined
> He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
He must not be:
> arrogant
> quick-tempered
> a drunkard
> violent
> greedy for gain

Called

Genesis 29:9
“While he was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherd.”

Matthew 2:6
“ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Acts 20:28
“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for [shepherd] the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

Ephesians 4:11-12
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,”

Known by God

John 10:2
“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.”

John 10:14
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,”

No Fear of Man

Genesis 46:34
“You should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”

Jeremiah 23:4
“I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD.”

Luke 12:32
“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Defender of the Weak

Exodus 2:17
“Some shepherds came along and drove them away, but Moses got up and came to their rescue and watered their flock.”

Isaiah 40:11
“He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”

Ezekiel 34:16
“I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.”

Acts 20:28-30, 35
“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Servant

Exodus 2:19
They answered, “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He even drew water for us and watered the flock.”

Matthew 20:26
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,”

Acts 20:34-35
“You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Peter 5:2-3
“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.”

Listens to God

Ezekiel 34:7
“ Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD;”

Luke 2:15
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”

Speaks Truth

PSALM 23:4
“Your rod and your staff guide me”

Luke 2:18
“…and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”

Titus 1:9
“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”

Titus 1:13-14
“This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.”

Titus 2:1
“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.”

Worships God

Psalm 34:3
“Magnify the Lord with me. Let us exalt his name together.”

Matthew 6:9-13
“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’”

Luke 2:20
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

Willing