Two decades ago, I was a student at a polytechnic. After joining the campus fellowship, I was visited by leaders who encouraged me to keep attending. I thanked them but suggested they focus on others, assuring them I’d stay committed. True to my word, I remained dedicated throughout my time there. I saw myself as a leader-sheep.
Friend, are you a leader-sheep? In church, there are ordinary sheep, and there are leader-sheep (Luke 22:32). Jesus also has other sheep who are to be brought into the fold. These are unbelievers that we are to take responsibility for bringing in. But it takes a leader-sheep to bring in other sheep (John 1:45-46, 10:16).
A leader-sheep takes responsibility to care for ordinary sheep and other sheep (Philippians 2:19-20). He joins the shepherd, his pastor, to administer the sheepfold. He is not a burden to the shepherd. Rather, he’s a blessing and an encouragement to him. With a leader-sheep, the fold does not die or reduce. The fold continues to increase and expand (Matthew 4:19).
A leader-sheep models leadership to the ordinary sheep (2 Timothy 2:2-3). He follows the shepherd and encourages ordinary sheep to do so. He represents the heart, vision, burden, and standard of the pastor and church to others. People follow him as he follows Christ and the pastor (1 Corinthians 11:1). He does not lead others astray.
A leader-sheep makes work easier for the shepherd (Philippians 2:25). He brings in other sheep. He encourages ordinary sheep. He ensures that the sheepfold is clean and settled enough for others to lie down. He does not bite the finger that feeds him. He does not urinate in the same water he drinks from (Ezekiel 34:17-20). He does not speak badly of the pastor and church that God used to bless him.
You are either a missionary or a mission field. A leader-sheep is a missionary (Mark 16:15-20). He discharges ministry to others. He does not wait to be followed up. He does not wait to be given; He gives to others. He prays for others. He does not complain about his pastor or church. He rises up to meet needs and make the church better (Acts 4:34-37). Are you a leader-sheep?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria