 SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK
Since the church is a band of people trying to get to heaven it is inevitable that there will be people-problems. For that reason God ordained that each church have shepherds to see that the sheep are properly guided and tended (Tit. 1:5). The ability see and anticipate problems is a mostvaluable gift of leadership. The wisdom and courage to address the problem before it becomes acute is also important. To see a problem and not act is a failure of responsibility. I learned early in my work to try to anticipate problems and provide teaching that would inoculate and protect the flock and hopefully correct the thinking and behavior of the problem child. Sometimes it forewarns them of the consequences to be expected if they pursue their course. I have seen troublesome folks disappear from the assemblies after a good pointed lesson on their particular problem.
Beyond the teaching, good leaders must deal promptly with a problem person. A troublemaker is never content to sit at home and be unhappy. They feel constrained to share their unhappiness with everyone who will listen. It has been my policy to quickly move to address the problem. In most cases the problem child seems surprised that he or she is being confronted. Often they melt and immediately seek an amiable resolution. Some will take the warning and never return; which in itself is a blessing if they are determined to continue their factious ways. Others will heed the admonition and warning and cease to trouble the body. In my judgment there are cases where elders can and should confront an unhappy soul and advise him/her to seek another church home where he can be happy. The change often is sufficient to change the attitudinal problems of the person. That is better than staying and having to be disciplined. In rare cases withdrawal of fellowship is necessary. It should go without saying that such visits should be positive and constructive but firm and gently authoritative (Gal. 6:1).
Sometimes the problem is of a different sort. You may learn of a person who is upset or discouraged or a person who has fallen into sin. A prompt visit can salvage a discouraged soul or a drowning brother. Such visits must be in a spirit of love and compassion and reflect a desire to help. Occasionally one will learn of a brother or sister who has been shaken by gossip, incorrect information or false rumors about someone or something Transpiring in the congregation. Left alone, they may go elsewhere or drop out. As soon as such comes to the attention of the leaders, a visit should be arranged and
the subject brought up for clarification. Delay can be fatal for their souls.
Less serious problems can be addressed in bulletin articles or class situations. A simple exhortation by elders or preacher can often resolve a small problem that stems from ignorance, thoughtlessness or immaturity.
Small problems can become big ones if too much attention is given them.
An important lesson to learn is that a living, growing church will have a steady trickle of problems of various sorts and kinds. Dead congregations have no problems. Each new member, each youngster who starts attending, each new family that places membership will usually have a few adjustments to make. Patient, loving leadership will bring most of them through with minimal disruption. Shepherding a church is much like raising children. That is one reason God ordained that elders be family men who have successfully raised their children to follow the Master (Tit. 1:6).
JHW
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