“Sheep are dumb.” We almost always hear this comment or something similar stated as common knowledge by a participant at some point during a Shepherd Leadership workshop. But are they? Really?
Holly interviewed dozens of shepherds as the Lord was teaching her about true, biblical leadership and birthing Presence Point in her heart, and not one of them stated sheep were dumb. In fact, they painted quite a different picture of the sheep they care for.
Pastor Ben Smith of Central Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia, has thought quite a bit about the characteristics of sheep as well. In his blog “Are they really that dumb? Rethinking how we describe sheep”, he explores how sheep are presented in Scripture. We found his blog compelling and deeply applicable to shepherding well, and we trust you will too.
DIGGING DEEPER QUESTIONS:
- Having read Pastor Ben Smith’s blog post, in what ways has he challenged you to rethink how you describe sheep?
- In this blog post, Pastor Ben writes “To be dependent indicates a relationship.” Would you say the sheep in your life worry about the direction your company/business/ministry/church is headed? Or do you give them reason to relax, be at peace, and depend on your leadership and protection?
- How would you describe your relationship with those entrusted to your care? Do they know of your concern for them, assured of your protection of them, and are certain of your investment in them?
