When I first met Brad Sprague it was 2011 and he was trying to build his business as a life coach. Myself? I was just trying to make a friend (and sense of my life). The fact that we did ultimately connect probably had little to do with either of our motives, at least in the grand scheme of things. Being at cross-purposes with each other was not a deterrent to God however, who was just doing what I perceive God is always doing – building His kingdom by way of His family, sometimes in spite of us. God just wanted Brad and I to discover our brotherhood in Christ and enjoy the byproduct of our interaction, which has been considerable. The staying power of our relationship and the fruit it has born can be traced to our brotherhood in Christ, who is our life, pure and simple.

Life coach, counselor and mentor are all modern words that cover the gaps created by our mishandling of the word “pastor.” Pastor in our modern understanding has come to mean the main speaker and/or the chief administrator. No matter what we have told ourselves, we did not get these ideas purely from the Bible.

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder … shepherd the flock of God among you. (from 1 Peter 5:1-2)

Our word “pastor” can be traced to Peter’s word “shepherd” which he is using as a verb not a noun. This is because the word “pastor” is more of a gift to be exercised than an office to be occupied. A deeper study into the biblical meaning of elders (presbuteros) and overseers (episcopos) would help us in recovering a truer understanding of what it means to shepherd or pastor.

My brother Brad, functioning as a life coach, was actually shepherding my soul. His work began, rightfully assuming that God is always at work in His children. Without preaching a single sermon or administrating a single program, the pastoral gift was in full expression as Brad pulled alongside and began asking his well placed questions. Brad’s mission was simply to help me discover the story God was writing in my life.

Shepherds coach, counsel and mentor others so that they can personally meet God in all His goodness in the midst of their often bewildering circumstances. There is simply not enough of the “conventional” pastor to go around and watch over the souls of their flock to such a degree. Tragically, true shepherding is often outsourced because it is so messy and time consuming. Regardless of what my brother Brad was calling himself, he was shepherding me in the truest sense of that word.

One of the most valuable things Brad did for me was to hand me a simple devotional called The Blue Book. Mature brothers always point those entrusted to them directly to the Father, who is much closer than most of us understand. For this reason The Blue Book can be a true shepherd’s best friend. What greater good could we do than to help each other discover how to keep company with God. Jim Branch is the author of the Blue Book,  another one of those brothers without the title “pastor” who shepherd the flock so well. Jim would say that he is simply helping us discover the ancient rhythms of God that were whispered into us when He breathed us into being. He would add that place and time are important elements to this process because they help us ward of three of our soul’s greatest enemies; crowds, noise and busyness.

I’ve given out hundreds of Blue Books simply because of the profound impact it has had (and is having) on my life. They can now be purchased on Amazon. I know. The New Year has already started but order yourself a Blue Book. Order some for friends and help them begin watching over their souls in a whole new way. Work through it together and explore the kingdom of God. Perhaps we will discover Christ (the Good Shepherd) in us and help actually fill some of the gaps left by the extra-biblical ways we have chosen to function in the Body of Christ.

Father, may 2017 be a year when You find more and more of Your sons and daughters at Your feet listening intently to Your words of Life, keeping company with their Father who is on earth as He is in heaven. So be it.

 

 

 

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap