Shepherd

While I may have somewhat known it in the back of my mind, it has definitely become clear to me lately that in my Sunday Adult Fellowship class, my responsibilities extend beyond just teaching.   Just as in the 1 Peter 5 passage, many of the characteristics encouraged for elders and leaders of the Church, are so applicable to my role.   I do have to remember that I am to be a caring shepherd, and willing overseer, and an eager servant.  And what a humbling responsibility it is to know that I am to be an example to those I lead.

While teaching may be part of  "feeding" the sheep, "caring" for them means knowing their needs, praying for them, and finding ways to help with practical needs.   It means taking the time to talk to each one of them, including time for prayer towards the end of class, and serving, like we are doing this coming weekend, going over to a class member's home to help in yardwork, repairs, and moving things.  Being an overseer means that I also have to "oversee" all that goes on in the class - to organize, to communicate schedules & events, to ensure details are taken care of, etc. - kind of like how we were able to put the basket together for a church function.   Different people in class brought separate items; and I had to coordinate, inform, and package them together.   It was actually good to see how it turned out nicely.

Most importantly, I am comforted to be reminded in the 1 Peter 5 passage, that Jesus is the Chief Shepherd; and that I can "Cast all [my] anxiety on HIM because He cares for [me]" (vs 7)