Shepherd

Word / Office Gifts

Literal Meaning

To shepherd a flock.

Description

The gift of Shepherd is the divine enablement to nurture, care for and guide people toward on-going spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ.

Distinctives

People with this gift tend to:

  • •Take responsibility to nurture the whole person in their walk with God.
  • •Provide guidance and oversight to a group of God's people.
  • •Model with their life what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus.
  • •Establish trust and confidence through long-term relationship.
  • •Lead and protect those within their span of care.

Common Traits

InfluencingNurturingGuidingDisciplingProtectiveSupportiveRelational

In Practice

Leading small groups, mentoring individuals, walking with people through difficult seasons

Cautions

Every gift can be misused or overextended. Here are some things to watch for:

  • ⚠Should remember that God judges those who neglect or abuse their oversight responsibilities.
  • ⚠Need to be aware that the desire to feed and support others can make it difficult to say "no."
  • ⚠Should realize that some of those being nurtured will grow beyond the shepherd's own ability and need to be freed to do so.

Scripture References

Biblical foundations for this gift:

Eph 4:111 Pet 5:1–3John 10:1-18

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