Work as Worship: A 5-Day Video Bible StudyНамуна

The world has plenty of ideas about what makes or breaks a good leader. These ideas often focus more on the tactics of leadership than the heart of leadership. As Christians we want to ensure that all we do is thoroughly grounded in the Word of God. So what does Scripture teach us about leadership?

In this session, Larry Osborne likens leadership to shepherding. Wherever we are, we are called to shepherd those God has placed in our midst, and the Bible has plenty to say about what that looks like. As Larry points out, it means putting the sheep first, being willing to be misunderstood, and meeting your people where they are.

Larry explains that a right heart of leadership is one committed to the good of those it leads rather than being one that is primarily self-interested. Why is having the right heart such a crucial part of being a shepherd?

Many leaders start off strong and build popular platforms that look impressive on the outside, but they end up being little more than a flash in the pan because they lack deep roots. Leadership that cultivates deep roots requires the right heart, which starts with leading like a shepherd.

The first passage provides us with a number of actions the Apostle Peter includes in his letter for those in leadership. One of the most important is his exhortation to “shepherd the flock…among you.”

That final phrase—“among you”—is crucial. The people God entrusts to us may not always be the kind we desire. We might find the flocks of others more desirable to lead, but God calls us to shepherd those he has placed among us.

Another key aspect of thinking like an effective shepherd is having the willingness to be misunderstood. Larry points out the emphasis on the phrase “makes me lie down” in Psalm 23:2. Sometimes leaders have to “make” their people move in directions that may be misunderstood, even though it’s ultimately for their good.

While thinking like a shepherd requires a willingness to be misunderstood, it also requires the willingness to meet people where they are. Shepherds are strong but merciful, bold but gracious.

Leading is a tough job, but God has not left us without resources. His word offers us clear insight into how we can lead those he has entrusted to us in faithful obedience. It starts with thinking like a shepherd.

Which of the three aspects of leading like a shepherd stood out to you the most? Why?

In what ways do you find this to be a challenging command? How are you tempted to compare your “flock” to that of other leaders?

Congratulations, you completed the reading plan! If you would like to watch more of this series from Larry Osborne, click here to access all of Lead Like a Shepherd in the Workplace, a video Bible study from RightNow Media @ Work.