Where Have All The Shepherds Gone
Keith Malcomson emphasizes the critical need for genuine, God-called shepherds in the church to restore unity, spiritual nourishment, and revival among scattered believers.
This sermon emphasizes the need for genuine shepherds in the church, highlighting the scarcity of true shepherds who build upon Christ, preach the message of the cross, and gather the scattered sheep. It calls for a revival of godly leadership, urging for shepherds who deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ, leading the flock with humility, truth, and sacrificial love.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Crisis of Lost Shepherds
- Sheep are scattered due to lack of true shepherds
- Many claim shepherding but few fulfill biblical standards
- Loss of shepherds leads to loss of real churches
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II. Biblical Foundation of Shepherding
- Old Testament prophets link scattered sheep to absence of shepherds
- Elders as God-ordained leaders in both Old and New Testaments
- Roles of elders: lead, feed, and protect the flock
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III. Characteristics and Responsibilities of Elders
- Elders must be mature and godly men
- They lead by persuasion, example, and diligence
- Shepherds guard against false teaching and unify the church
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IV. The Call to Restore Shepherding
- Need for genuine, God-called shepherds in every community
- Shepherding is foundational to church revival and unity
- Believers encouraged to seek and support true shepherds
Key Quotes
“If we had real shepherds we'd have a real church; let a real shepherd be in Limerick and we're going to have a real church in any community.” — Keith Malcomson
“The value of a shepherd is beyond any amount that I could estimate this morning because when a shepherd is lost the sheep scatter.” — Keith Malcomson
“Elders are to rule by persuasion, by example, and with diligence; this is real eldership in the local church.” — Keith Malcomson
Application Points
- Seek out and support God-called shepherds in your local church to foster spiritual growth and unity.
- Pray for revival in church leadership that true shepherds will arise and lead with godly maturity.
- Commit to being part of a local church that is built on the revelation of Jesus Christ and led by faithful elders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Keith Malcomson say the church is in crisis?
Because there is a severe shortage of genuine, God-called shepherds leading to scattered believers and weak churches.
What biblical evidence supports the need for shepherds?
Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel link scattered sheep to the absence of shepherds, and the New Testament commands appointing elders to lead and care for the church.
What are the main duties of a shepherd or elder in the church?
To lead the flock, feed them with sound teaching, and protect them from false doctrines and dangers.
How can believers respond to the lack of shepherds?
By seeking out and supporting true shepherds, committing to local churches, and praying for revival in church leadership.
What is the significance of the term 'elder' in the New Testament?
It denotes mature, spiritually qualified leaders who oversee and care for the local church, synonymous with bishops and overseers.