The Role of the Shepherd

When we talk about a GSE Process church, we are referring to the three roles we consider vital to a new church plant: the Gatherer, the Shepherd, and the Elder.

In last month’s blog, we discussed the role of the Elder. Today let’s look at the role of the Shepherd in the GSE process.

A shepherd is an Ephesians 4:11 gifted person:

And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NASB)

The Shepherd has a clear spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit that allows him to provide spiritual care for people.

A shepherd’s primary function is to build sustainability in the church.

1. Shepherds work to move a person’s connection with his Gatherer (which is natural) into a connection with Jesus, His mission, and His church.
2. Shepherds develop the 3/5 focus of the church: the three things that define WHO church is and the five things that define WHAT church does.
3. Shepherds facilitate the worship service.
4. Shepherds care for and disciple the church.
5. Shepherds provide service opportunities.

If you would like to know more about the GSE Process for starting or reinvigorating a church, or about Vision USA, contact Tony.