The apostle Peter in his first epistle gave an urgent call to elders to shepherd the people of God. Join Alex Strauch as he challenges elders today with this special message, “The Importance of a Elder’s Presence.”
Lecture Outline Detailed Outline Support ResourcesOne-minute Shepherding Remember ItIt enhances your leadership as a church shepherd, and it makes a huge difference to how the people act and feel when you are present. Your presence has a restraining quality about it on the church. People care if you are there or not there.
Greeting the people as they come and as they leave; reaching out to people in a friendly, warm way; circulating among the people on Sunday morning, looking for those sitting alone or for older people who need your acknowledgement; greeting the children; having people over to your home; ministering to people when they are suffering; attending all church meetings.
- How would you describe what the speaker calls “an invisible shepherd?” What would a man like this look like on a Sunday morning?
- Why is it important to be at the front door and greet people, especially as they leave?
- How does ministering to people in times of physical suffering enhance your shepherding presence among the people?
- Read the the article listed above under "Supporting Resources." For the next two Sundays, find two individuals or couples that you can practice one-minute shepherding with. Also, find a visitor and spend time making them feel welcome.