Recently, I was on the team that organised a conference themed “Called to Shepherd” — an exploration of one of Scripture’s richest yet often underutilised metaphors for leadership. For those of us (staff and students) serving in the EU, it was a timely reminder that Christian leadership is not primarily about status or power, but about care, character, and courage.
The biblical image of the shepherd is both beautiful and demanding. A shepherd knows the sheep intimately. They feed them, protect them, guide them, and genuinely love them. The sheep recognise the shepherd’s voice because trust has been built over time. A faithful shepherd does not lord authority over others or pursue personal gain, but serves willingly and wholeheartedly. As leaders, our motives matter deeply. We serve under the Chief Shepherd, who promises a crown of glory that will never fade (1 Peter 5:4) — a future hope that gives weight and purpose to our present responsibilities.
Yet the metaphor challenges us not only as shepherds but also as sheep, since we have dual roles. Hebrews 13:17 calls believers to make the work of our leaders a joy rather than a burden: to encourage our leaders, pray for them, trust them, and take a genuine interest in their well-being. Healthy communities flourish when both shepherds and sheep understand and embrace their roles.
The conference also underscored the urgency of the shepherd’s mission. The harvest is plentiful, and there are still lost and helpless sheep in need of compassion and care. We were warned not to repeat the failures of Old Testament leaders who neglected their flocks and faced God’s judgment. Instead, we are called to reflect the heart of the Good Shepherd—comforting others with the comfort we ourselves have received, even when hardship and persecution come.
One moment that particularly stood out to me was watching faculty staff gather with their student leaders in small groups — laughing, playing games, praying, and preparing for the year ahead. It was a vivid picture of shepherds encouraging shepherds, and the energy and joy in the room were palpable. Witnessing leaders invest in one another before stepping into a new season of ministry was deeply encouraging and heartwarming.
Of course, leadership today comes with real challenges. Many students wrestle with imposter syndrome or struggle to set boundaries. Some may be tempted by the allure of power and status. Others, as sheep, may resist guidance or believe they know better. The shepherd metaphor speaks directly to these tensions. Good shepherding requires both tenderness and toughness — compassion for the flock and courage to guard against “savage wolves,” including false teaching. A shepherd needs both a soft heart and a strong backbone.
Personally, this theme resonated deeply. I was struck afresh by the seriousness of leadership. While there is genuine excitement about the year ahead, there is also weight and responsibility. Good leadership helps people flourish; poor leadership can cause lasting harm. I was reminded how vital it is to truly know those we lead — and to be known by them. When sheep recognise their shepherd’s voice, they follow with confidence and trust.
Most of all, I left encouraged. Shepherding can be hard, and weariness is real. But we are not alone. We ourselves are sheep, cared for by a faithful and steadfast Chief Shepherd who guides, protects, and comforts us. With that assurance, we can embrace both the privilege to raise up the next generation of leaders to flood God’s harvest field, and the responsibility of being called to shepherd.
If you are interested in listening to the talks from this year’s leadership summit by Andrew West (Howie 2013-2014), check them out on the EU’s YouTube or Spotify.
