Shepherding: Spiritual Gifts Definitions, Scriptures, and Ways to Serve
[If you have not already done so, please take a moment now to take this free spiritual gifts assessment. Once you have your results, come back to this and the corresponding 22 blog posts for a detailed description of each of the gifts, focusing on your own as well as becoming familiar with all of them so you can spot and call them out in others.]
Shepherding
Shepherding involves nurture and guidance of others so that they grow in spiritual maturity and Christ-like character. Some but not all pastors have the spiritual gift of shepherding; many others in the church also have this gift. Jesus was the Good Shepherd—he loved, protected, cared for, and led His sheep into life abundant. People with the shepherding gift seek to do the same by walking alongside someone for a long or short season and directing them to Jesus and His offer of life, hope, and peace.
Scriptures that reference Shepherding or show someone exhibiting this gift:
Exodus (Moses); Psalm 78 (David): John 10 (Jesus); Jeremiah 3; Ezekiel 34, 37; Acts 18 (Priscilla and Aquilla); Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 5 (Jesus; elders).
Questions on the assessment that pertain to Shepherding:
I have been able to successfully guide others in their spiritual journeys.
I enjoy coming alongside someone in one-on-one mentoring.
I find satisfaction in long-term coaching relationships.
Some words that describe people with this gift:
Fostering Health
Guide
Counselor
Model
Trustworthy
Supportive
Potential negatives to this gift:
Might begin to think that followers are dependent on him/her instead of giving glory to God for the gift of Shepherding.
May have a tendency to rely on own human wisdom instead of asking God for guidance.
May have a difficult time ending a shepherding relationship.
Some possible ways to serve using this gift:
Counseling ministry/mentor/coach
Deacon/elder/pastor
Bible Study/ Small group leader/assistant
Children’s church leader/Sunday school teacher
Adult Education teacher
Hospital visitation
Singles Ministry
Women’s ministry
Men’s ministry
Youth leader
Stephen Ministry
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition), and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with hundreds of faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders in a diversity of fields for four decades. She currently serves as Catalyst for Equipping at her church.
Photo © Shirley Giles Davis.
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