WORD GIFTS / The Gift of Pastoring (Shepherding)

Today, we’re talking about a gift that sounds like a job title, but is actually a spiritual empowerment available to many believers. We’re talking about the gift of Pastoring, or as it's often called, Shepherding. And, right off the bat, we need to clear up the biggest confusion with this gift. When people hear "Pastor," they think it means standing on a stage, preaching a sermon, and having an office at the church. But biblically, there is a distinction between the office of Pastor/Elder and the spiritual gift of Pastoring. Ephesians 4:11 lists "shepherds" as a gift given to the body. While those with the Leadership gift stand out front and say, "There is the mountain. Let's go climb it!" The Shepherd walks among the sheep and says, "I see you’re limping. Let me wrap that up so you can make the climb." It’s a long-term care gift.