From the Coach's Desk - May 2025

Feed the Flock

The shepherd motif is one of the pivotal analogies of Scripture. In the Old Testament, God himself is the “shepherd” of his people, Israel, signifying the tender relationship God established with them (Psalm 23). Old Testament kings, priests, and prophets are often spoken of as “shepherds” of God’s people (Isa 40:11; Ezekiel 34). 

“Shepherd” is the personal analogy of Jesus in the Gospels and in Revelation. He said: “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). In Rev 7:17, speaking of Jesus, John records: “For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.” 

“Shepherd” is the pastoral analogy used in Acts and the NT letters to describe the role of the elder or pastor in a local church (Acts 20:17–35; Eph 4:12; 1 Pet 5:1–4). Our English word “pastor” means “shepherd.”

The early church drew upon this shepherd imagery. The Catacombs in Rome have drawings of shepherds on the walls. The Shepherd of Hermas was an important early church pastoral document. 

Christian hymnody also makes use of the shepherd analogy, as in the hymn “Saviour Like a Shepherd Lead Us” by Dorothy Thrupp.

It is the job of every faithful pastor to tend the flock of God. This role involves many things, but none more important than feeding the flock a steady diet of the word of God through preaching. A pastor is first and foremost a preacher. 

So, to every pastor, listen again to what Peter said: “Shepherd God’s flock among you. . . and when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” 

David L. Allen