Are you being shepherded?
Ezekiel 34:2-3 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep."
After Jesus was crucified and resurrected, as He met with His disciples before He ascended to heaven, He gave these directions for caring for His people, the church:
John 21:17 "He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep."
We believe this is more than listening to a sermon. It is more than merely attending a service. It is being pursued, prayed for, and cared for by "those who will give an account for your soul" (Hebrews 13:17).
Pastors must care for and love the people whom Christ died for. And Pastors "feed the sheep" by the preaching, discipling, teaching, and praying God's word over their people.