Don’t Be a Sheepdog Leader
When I visited New Zealand years ago, I saw a demonstration of the well-trained working sheepdogs who daily move the sheep from place to place. Incredibly quick and extremely tenacious, the dogs reminded me of some of the bosses I’ve had and unfortunately, of some of my own leadership early on. I thought I was leading, but I was simply barking, manipulating, scaring, and irritating those under my care.
Dallas Willard, in his book Hearing God, says, “The sheepdog forcibly maneuvers the sheep, whereas the biblical shepherd simply calls as he calmly walks ahead of the sheep.” I really like that picture. Lead by doing. Influence over authority. Calling to your followers, “Come with me.” “Do what I do, and we’ll be fine.”
Is that how you lead? At home? At work? In your community?
Our leadership isn’t being cut down by axes and chainsaws, it’s dying through thousands of tiny paper cuts. We excuse small lies, inconsistencies, compromises, and hard-heartedness because “we’re so busy.” The reality is it’s easier to be a sheepdog leader…barking loudly, continually wearing ourselves out running around the herd, and confusing activity with accomplishment.
But if we do the opposite, if we’re shepherd leaders who earn the right to lead and who call as we calmly walk ahead, we’ll look behind and find willing followers drawing their strength and confidence from walking in our steps.
So, are you willing to go first, living and demonstrating humility, consistency, discipline, and compassion? Are you willing to put on the shoes of the Gospel of Peace with your spouse and kids? To take on the responsibility for the spiritual growth and development of another as their mentor? To seek out the least of these in your community and help meet their needs?
Scripture: My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28)
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Responses (5)
Thanks, Regi,
This is such an awesome example of what an Elder lead church should look like…actually, any form of Godly leadership. Thanks!
What a great example of an Elder lead leadership in the local church…actually, an all-around example of Godly leadership.
Thanks, Regi!
Thanks Regi!
I’ve spent time in New Zealand as well, I even worked on a sheep farm for a week! Such an eye opening experience about our need for God and His patience for us. Sheep are constantly looking for something or someone to follow, and so as leaders we have a responsibility to lead others well – because quite often they’ll follow, even if it means disaster.
Awesome, Regi. Thanks. Good word for me as our group preps to meet tomorrow morning.
Great post Regi! The sheep dog approach is way too common in many arenas of leadership. Where it really doesn’t fit is at home and the church. I wrote about this a while back— https://www.poimenministries.com/single-post/2018/04/12/Be-a-Shepherd-Not-a-Sheepdog
It takes time to unlearn but everyone is better off when we do, including us men.
Thanks!