9 Qualities of Good Shepherds

Our primary goal as leaders is to lead others to be led by God. Leading others in the kingdom of God, in whatever capacity, means to point them back to Jesus and his lordship. He’s the Good Shepherd (John 10). In the process, our nature as shepherds should mirror Jesus. The apostle Paul says it like this, Imitate me as I imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Psalm 23 is a valuable resource to us as we grow as leaders. Before David was anointed to be king, before he killed giants, influenced powerful people, commanded an army, he was a shepherd. This psalm is a shepherd’s account of being led by the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5). Each phrase celebrates following a leader. At the same time, it gives us examples to mirror.

Below are 9 qualities of a good shepherd that I’ve extracted from Psalm 23.

I don’t write these things because I’ve achieved perfect leader status. Ha! That’s a hilarious notion. I’m learning to be a better follower and how to imitate Jesus’ leadership in my life. But I can say, in confidence, that shepherding is founded in the heart of God and having a heart after God.

9 Qualities of a Good Shepherd

• Good shepherds are generous and lead from places and to places of abundance and life (vs. 1-2). There is no lack with God, and our want is satisfied in him.

• Good shepherds lead from places and to places of peace and stillness (vs.2). Leading from places of striving only reproduces stress and performance. God leads us to rest in what he provides.

• Good shepherds are ministers of restoration (vs. 3). God is whole, he makes us whole, and we participate in helping others find healing. What a joy!

• Good shepherds direct and guide in the paths of righteousness—for Jesus’ name sake (vs. 3). His name’s sake! We get to lead people to him.

• Good shepherds lead with truth and compassion (vs. 4). They not only walk with and support others, but they also use their authority to lead people out of graves, out of fear, and into freedom. Life-changing love is the motivation.

• Good shepherds lead others to the table Jesus set for us (vs. 5). His blood and his body—that’s how we overcome. That’s the authority we abide in. It’s the most extravagant table we will ever know.

• Good shepherds lead from the overflow of devotion to Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s leadership (vs. 5). As we press in, leaning into his every word, anointing (oil) pours over us.

• Good shepherds know that goodness and mercy are testaments of a life surrendered to Christ. Their lives and leadership will be marked with these companions (vs. 6).

• Good shepherds are dedicated to the presence of the Lord forever. Right here right now, and the glory that has yet to be revealed (vs.6).

Being good followers helps to shape our leadership. The overarching principle to obtaining these qualities is surrender and being imitators of Jesus.

I want to finish with a small note of encouragement. Don’t discredit yourself as a leader because you’re not on staff at a church, or CEO, or a political representative. Leadership looks like many different things. Here are a few examples off the top of my head. Self, spousing, parenting, friendships, small groups, mentoring, management, entrepreneurs, social media posts, conversations, etc. What would you add to this list?

Other posts in the Shepherd Series: Image of Shepherd, Red Flags for Shepherds, Shepherd’s Friends, After the One

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Brave Sparrow exists to create resources that encourage and equip hungry disciples, surrendered leaders, and lovesick worshipers so that Jesus will be known and the kingdom of heaven will be evident on the earth for many generations.

photo by Biegun Wschodni