The title of this book is If You Are Going Go Be A Shepherd, Walk In The Pasture. This, of course, is based on New Testament scripture referring to congregational leaders as shepherds and congregations as flocks (see Acts 20:28-30). This image was well understood by most in the first century. Good shepherds provided caring leadership to a flock as the shepherd attended the flock’s needs and provided the flock protection. A flock had a dependent relationship with a good shepherd as they relied on him to provide their needs and protection. The sheep, at times, might be contrary and uncooperative, but the flock needed the guidance and services of their shepherd.

To be a spiritual person in this materialistic society is demanding. In all aspects of physical existence in the American society, people are told that a self-centered indulgence is the basic key to survival. “Is a relationship hurting you? Get rid of it! Is a commitment hurting you? Ignore it! Is a boss making your life miserable? Make his life miserable! Is a job in your way? Quit!”

In our society, there is no authority higher than self. There is no commitment more important than commitment to self. Any value that attacks self is a destructive value. “The most important being in your world is you.” So much—from the consumer mentality to dreams of material success—easily can become a self-centered pursuit built on a selfish lifestyle. In that view of life, no one can make demands on you, but you are entitled to all you regard to be a benefit.

It is a weekly if not daily difficulty to be a spiritual person dedicated to Jesus Christ in a society that overtly encourages selfishness in most pursuits. Following are some common struggles the spiritual person frequently faces as the person pursues commitment to Jesus Christ in seeking to be true to godly values. Consider some common struggles.


Struggle # 1: The desire for stability in an unstable world

A few decades ago a first-born adult male might live in “the old home place” where Dad and Grandpa lived. Grandma and Mom spent their days in this place as homemakers. Dad had the same job with the same company until he retired. The adult children who did not live in the home place bought homes nearby. Everyone in the family saw each other at least once a month, and more commonly once a week.

How things have changed! Today a family moves so often, no family member knows what to consider to be the “old home place.” Dad lived in one place, Grandpa lived in another, and the grown oldest son never lived in either place. Grandma had a job after the kids grew up, Mom always had a job, and the wife of the oldest son fought with him every time he was transferred because she did not want to leave her good job.

Finally, when their oldest son was twelve, Mom and Dad divorced—Mom and Dad experienced too much transition! (The children have to count to recall the times the family moved.) The oldest adult son changed careers four times—what he does is totally unrelated to his college degree. His family is lucky to see each other once a year. Even if there is an appointed day and place, some of them literally do not want to see each other, and some intentionally may not come!

A person who is committed to Jesus Christ from that environment must find stability and relationships in a congregation. Those are not unusual circumstances for an American adult in today’s world!


Struggle # 2: The need to apply (wisely) Christian values to real-world situations

Every day in some context—job, home, friendships, relaxation—a commitment to godly values is challenged or tested. The Christian is surrounded by adults who have little respect for godly values! These people seem to think it is a major accomplishment to get the Christian to betray his (her) values. He (she) receives no daily encouragement from the people around him (her) to be godly. At times he (she) forgets why his (her) godly values are godly.

There is a real need for congregations to be encouraging.


Struggle # 3: The desire for stable relationships

He does not know how to be a man. She does not know how to be a woman. Neither he nor she ever continuously was around a godly person. Neither he nor she knows how to be a godly husband nor a godly wife—neither one ever saw godliness expressed in a marriage relationship. Neither he nor she knows how to be a godly parent—Mom and Dad were not religious and never attended any church.

With all their hearts, he and she yearn for a stable relationship that endures in Jesus Christ. They do not want to quit in a family context, but they were never shown how to build family relationships.

For many, the only people who can teach them how to build enduring relationships are found in a congregation.


Struggle # 4: The weariness of an impersonal existence

Christian men and women can often feel as if others look right through them. When others have conversations, these people feel like they are not present. They feel as though if they died tomorrow that no one would know they were gone. It seems to them that most places they go, they are nothing more than a number.

No matter where they go, they feel that no one cares about them. These people are convinced that all others care about is what they can do or what they can give, but not about them. Were they to disappear, the only concern would be who would do their job or who would give as much as they did. Again, they do not matter as persons—they are always dispensable and replaceable.

It is essential for individuals to matter in congregations.


Struggle # 5: The Lure of the Physical

This person hears the preacher say that it is a myth to believe the key to the “good life” and to “happiness” is the physical. From the person’s viewpoint, this claim does not seem to be a myth. It is easier to look good than it is to be godly. It is easier to get high (even for a brief moment) and forget about everything than it is to be godly.

These people get terribly discouraged when they see Christians pretending to be quite godly on Sunday, but then consistently behaving in ungodly ways throughout the week.

Godly congregations are examples, not merely a people who make claims.


Struggle # 6: The Stress of Economics

The harder Christians work, the more behind they seem to get. They try to be honest and straightforward. Yet, the demands and necessities increasingly get more expensive. They get awfully tired of trying and making little or no headway.

Congregations increasingly will need to be a source of security for struggling Christians.


Struggle # 7: The impossibility of Knowing Everyone in the Congregation

When these Christians assemble with other Christians, they feel ashamed. These Christians do not have what most of the assembled Christians have. These Christians are sure they cannot give what most of the assembled give. They cannot even afford to dress like most of the assembled dress. Everything they see whispers in their ear, “You do not belong here! What makes you think you fit among these people?” They do not merely struggle to be godly in heart, attitude, and behavior. They also struggle with actually being different. Because they feel different, they withdraw.

At moments they want to fit in and be a part, and at moments they want to retreat and become invisible. Much of the time they are overwhelmed. There are just too many people to know and remember. They are so afraid they will embarrass themselves and feel like everyone is staring at them.

Successful congregations learn how to make the struggling belong.


A Simple but Important Realization for Appointed Congregational Leaders

Until you know the person well, do not assume motives. Different people have different reasons for acting as they do. The same or similar actions do not proceed from the same or similar motives. Only the person can tell you why he or she acts as he or she does—if the person actually knows!

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