Tim Challies posted this news story he came across, it is a sober reminder of the danger of neglecting the responsibility of a shepherd.

ISTANBUL: Hundreds of sheep followed their leader off a cliff in eastern Turkey, plunging to their deaths this week while shepherds looked on in dismay. Four hundred sheep fell 15 metres to their deaths in a ravine in Van province near Iran but broke the fall of another 1,100 animals who survived, newspaper reports said yesterday. Shepherds from Ikizler village neglected the flock while eating breakfast, leaving the sheep to roam free, the Radikal daily said. The loss to local farmers was estimated at $74,000.

The dangers of leading

Chuck Lawless imagines what he would do if he were Satan attempting to ensnare pastors and church leaders and induce failure. The whole article is here, but his seven basic points in summary are

1. I would attack those who are most gifted . . . by reminding them they are gifted.

2. I would encourage leaders to talk about accountability . . . but not be personally accountable to anyone.

3. I would challenge leaders to emphasize spiritual disciplines . . . but only for others.

4. I would focus the leader’s attention on tomorrow . . . rather than today.

5. I would encourage ministry by e-mail . . . especially with those of the opposite gender.

6. I would not hinder ministry success . . . as long as “success” results in few changed lives.

7. I would stress failure . . . and then lead the church to do the same.

It is a good checklist for ourselves.