Published on December 1, 2023, 2:19 am

In the New Testament, the shepherd is not merely a symbolic entity but plays a pivotal role in church leadership, drawing inspiration from Jesus Christ himself, known as the Chief Shepherd. His life, as illustrated in John 10:11 of the Bible, provides an unassailable template for pastoral stewardship that projects sacrificial and moral servitude. This pastoral guide espouses protection and profound understanding of one’s flock, much like Jesus Christ.

The shepherd metaphorically represents the pastor (1 Peter 5:2-4), signifying divine appointment—an ecclesiastical responsibility explicitly highlighted in Scripture. Such obligations are specified for men according to the created order and backed by apostolic instructions. Qualifications mentioned extensively in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 favour male leadership—a theme consistent with Biblical teachings. This is deemed more than a cultural alteration but rather a scriptural imperative that designates priesthood as a unique and solemn duty entrusted to men.

Being a shepherd extends beyond holding job titles—it represents an unfaltering pledge to mirror the actions of the Chief Shepherd. Individuals chosen for this sacred charge are bystanders of truth and integrity, tasked with leading via Christ-inspired wisdom. Through uncompromising adherence to these Biblical instructions, churches can maintain God’s desired blueprint while demonstrating their unwavering devotion to Jesus ChristBible-based knowledge.

Curiously though, questions arise when examining Kevin DeYoung’s church reportedly a “conservative” PCA church that seemingly includes women pastors camouflaged under “Shepherdess Ministry”. The Church’s website describes Shepherdesses as “godly seasoned women who help our pastoral staff plus leadership in spiritual care for women undergoing crisis.”

Their primary role offers encouragement through biblical counsel during times of despair alongside providing friendship accountability aimed at restoring zealous gospel-centred relationships with God, family members and their church community – essentially mirroring the responsibilities of shepherds or pastors occupying their respective biblical offices which begs the question of whether women can fulfil the pastoral role.

It’s essential to clarify that this isn’t about undermining women’s ability to contribute to these facets or assist other women. Nevertheless, Christ Covenant seems to have fashioned a church office modelled along the pastor/shepherd’s office lines ascribed with a feminised label. As per their website, even church discipline is an area in which the Shepherdess Ministry aids.

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