Written by Mande Saitta

Read: Luke 2:8; Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 95:7; John 10:11

On a sleepy Friday morning, she wandered through the doors of Lifegate West Dodge. She was seeking help but wasn’t sure what help looked like. The call of a church building felt like a logical place to start.

Her life was littered with heartbreak. She told me of the twists and turns, the trauma, the bad calls, and the unfamiliar path she was forging. She needed something new, a fresh start.

We spent the next hour discussing the communities she could nestle herself into at Lifegate, programs the city had to offer, and weekend service times. After some discussion, she decided to modify her work schedule in order to begin attending services each Sunday — a precious dip of her toe in Kingdom waters.

Like most churches, Lifegate serves its communities with Financial Assistance, and I’ve been honored to oversee the nuts and bolts of this for many years. Churches are really just hospitals for souls, after all, with needs that require treatment. You, fellow believers, are extensions of the church walls!

The situations that come to the surface through our Financial Assistance are ripe for shepherding. Shepherds engage the spiritual, emotional, mental, and material needs of those under their care.

What are the key characteristics of a Shepherd? Be Aware: Watch for opportunities to serve the broader Church body. Also be sensitive to when you are to act, versus when Father is calling someone else to intervene. Be Wise: Offer encouragement and discerning wisdom in equal measure, all grounded in Biblical truths. When in doubt, say less and PRAY. Be Attentive: What are the practical needs in your local community? Pursue filling those needs promptly.

We see a clear expression of shepherding in Luke: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. (Luke 2:8)

The shepherds of old, eagle-eyed as they surveyed the open spaces before them, were keen to protect and preserve their sheep. They were invested in their health, their growth, and their longevity. Today, Shepherds should be no different. We are tasked with watching our brothers and sisters closely, monitoring for threats to their well-being and safety. When we sense danger, we should act swiftly.

In the stark glare of everyday living, a paid electricity bill can feel just like manna from heaven. So can a simple invitation to worship. The legacy of Shepherding in the Church is rich with one intersection after another, hands outstretched and arms linked.