Full life - Herding the flock

SUMMARY: Peter's commission to the church is not just for leaders, but for the entire community of faithful in Christ. Pastoring means feeding, guiding, and caring for the body of Christ. The Word of God is our food, and we can all feed others with it. We should guide those who are weaker or have fallen, and protect them from false doctrines. The church needs shepherds, and we are all called to be one.

The apostle Peter also left an urgent commission to the church of Jesus Christ. Some understand it as an assignment only for leaders, but I believe that in the context of today's world its fulfillment is for the whole church. The church as a community of faithful in Christ needs more and more men and women who understand the meaning of pasturing.

Feeding is a metaphor for shepherding. Pastoring is a cultural metaphor. Peter is not expressing a wish, but an order, a mandate, a mission (like the Great Commission of Christ). This commission of Peter is not directed at managers, or businessmen, or presidents, or trade unionists, but rather pastors or those called by God who exercise the ministry of piety and brotherly love with the diligence that corresponds to the occasion. Why promise a good for tomorrow if you can give it today? Why leave for later the announcement of the Good News of salvation to that person that God has placed in your heart if you know that it is a matter of life and death? Yes, salvation is a matter of life and death!

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Full life - Herding the flock (Part 2)
Article discussing the importance of shepherding Gods flock with love and not obligation, being an example and watchman, showing mercy, instructing for communion, praising God, and helping the flock put on the armor of God. Leaving behind pride and clothing ourselves with humility to manifest our love for Jesus in pasturing His flock.

The church - sheepfold or chicken coop?
The author discusses the traditional model of the church with the pastor as a shepherd and congregation as sheep and argues that it is not suitable for the modern era. Instead, they suggest using a chicken coop as a metaphor for the church, which allows for imperfections, conflicts, and constant change. The author emphasizes the need for pastors to have a more modest idea of their ability to control the congregation and to use systems and protocols to manage the church.