Heart of a Shepherd

Muyiwa Oguntoyinbo

Description

"Insightful with deep and fresh revelation on leadership. It is a must read for leaders and to be leaders"Niyi Adesanya CEO, FIFTH Gear Consulting, Lagos "A simple, yet profound book from a man with a shepherd's heart. This book will strike a chord with every true leader and transform every aspiring leader who is careful to obey the truths therein. A must read for all who desire to be God's kind of leader"Yomi AkinpeluPneuma Springs Publishing, UK"Fantastic connection between leadership and shepherding, this book will give you a paradigm shift that can turn your life into a legacy"Godman AkinlabiAssociate Pastor, Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos"An enlightening study in the heart and art of shepherding. I was particularly blessed by the examples of leadership qualities displayed by Bible characters, like Moses, Gideon, Samuel and David. I highly recommend the book to both current and aspiring shepherds/leaders" Dapo OguntoyinboRegional HSSE Manager, Shell Oil Products Africa (SOPAF), NairobiBook reviews online @ www.publishedbestsellers.com

Sujets

• Philosophie et théologie

Informations

• Publié par: Pneuma Springs Publishing
• Date de parution: 31 août 2006
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781782281771
• Langue: English

Extrait

The Heart of
a Shepherd





Muyiwa Oguntoyinbo
Copyright
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible.
First Published 2006 by Pneuma Springs Publishing
The Heart of a Shepherd Copyright © 2006 Muyiwa Oguntoyinbo
Kindle eISBN: 9781782281788 ePub eISBN: 9781782281771 PDF eBook eISBN: 9781782281795 Paperback ISBN: 9781905809035
Pneuma Springs Publishing E: [e-mail] W: www.pneumasprings.co.uk
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Published in the United Kingdom. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher.
Contents
Foreword by Rev. Ola-Vincent Odulele
Chapter One Introducing the Shepherd
Chapter Two Qualities of a Shepherd
Chapter Three Priorities of a Shepherd
Chapter Four The Composition of the Flock
Chapter Five Gideon:The Military Strategist
Chapter Six David:The Shepherd King
Chapter Seven Samuel:The Praying Prophet
Chapter Eight Moses:The Meek Deliverer
Chapter Nine Becoming a Shepherd
Foreword
We live in a generation where there is a dearth of true leaders. Leadership is not the capacity to dominate others or force them to become compliant with our wishes and demands. Rather, as the shepherd does his flock, it is to nurture and develop the latent potential that is within those that have been placed under our charge or care. It is to empower others to fulfil theirs’ or communal, God given roles and assignments.
As the author has eloquently written, every one of us must demonstrate true leadership qualities. The diverse roles we must all play in life mean this is not only crucial but also unavoidable. I have had the privilege of reading through the book you are holding in your hands and consider the content essential reading for any one that takes his or her leadership role seriously.
Pastor Muyiwa has articulated profound shepherding [leadership] principles in a simple, understandable but structured manner that I consider very effective. A study and application of the principles he shares will certainly make you a more effective ‘shepherd’ of people.

Rev Ola-Vincent Odulele
Director, BASIC Trust International
Chapter One - Introducing the Shepherd
The significance of leadership in today’s world cannot be overemphasised. The leadership of a nation for instance, has far reaching consequences on it. We need only to look at nations around us to see the effects of strong or poor leadership. The same applies to small or large corporations, families and even individuals. A man who cannot lead himself effectively will find his life in shambles, without direction and out of synch with God’s plan. It has therefore become imperative to write on the subject of leadership, in particular from the context of shepherding.
Leadership is the responsibility of every man or woman on the surface of the earth. This is contrary to the general assumption in the world today. Church leadership has been left to pastors and corporate leadership to executive managers and directors, but that is a false theory and an aberration of the original plan of God. Every man must succeed in leadership. Whether you lead one person or an assembly of thousands, you must first learn to follow, and then you must also learn to lead.
Leaders ought to be shepherds, genuinely caring for their followers. Shepherds are not a new phenomenon to mankind. They can be observed right across the whole spectrum of history as they walked upon the stage of life. It is interesting that the literal shepherds (keepers of sheep) were one of the first people to which the angels announced the birth of Jesus - the Saviour of the world. Shepherds tend the flock and are responsible for the general welfare of the sheep. The primary role of the shepherd is to cater for the sheep. Ideally a good shepherd is willing to risk his life for the sheep. That is true leadership. It is correct to conclude that a shepherd has failed in his duties if he shuns this huge responsibility. Shepherds are not born, they are made. They become shepherds as a result of a quality decision and a conscious effort to do so.

The Need
There is a dire need in our generation; it is not simply a need for effective leaders, but for leaders with the heart of a shepherd. There is a dearth of shepherds in our days, and this need can only be addressed if shepherds are raised and developed. Paul wrote in 1 Cor 4:15 –
“For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers”

Paul’s concern is a representation of present day facts. There are many preachers with large churches, just as there are many CEOs with large organizations. However, true shepherds are scarce. Sad as that may sound; it is the reality in this generation. Present day managers and CEOs are trained to become leaders so they can make maximum impact in their areas of influence. However they also need to learn to develop hearts of shepherds. According to Paul, instructors are not fathers just as managers are not necessarily leaders. The good news is that every man born into the world is born with some leadership potentials. Everyone can shepherd a flock if only we can access the untapped resources of virtue locked up deep inside us. The world would be a lovelier place to live if we had men and women who would rise up to shepherd nations, organizations, unions, associations, homes etc, and lead them in the direction of destiny. This world will be a happier place if the true shepherds arose to discover their hidden treasures and used them for the benefit of the larger community. The act of shepherding is exciting and the rewards are immeasurable.
As you read, please remember that you are a chosen leader for this generation and the world is waiting for you to manifest. I pray this book will bless and benefit every man and woman who seeks to make an impact in this age. You will succeed!
Chapter Two - Qualities of a shepherd
We are all born to lead. This truth is so important and must be accepted by all as God’s original design. Typically, every man is first and foremost a follower, then a leader and then hands over to the next generation before bowing out. Certain qualities are dominant in the lives that have chosen to live up to this call.

Shepherds love God passionately (and just can’t help it) - These people are so intoxicated with this love that it rubs off on those they lead. The process of influence is inevitable for true shepherds. Jesus was passionate about God and he demonstrated this by spending time with Him. Consequently, He so influenced the twelve disciples who became the pillars of the church after His departure. The disciples were described as men who turned the world upside down and were responsible for the greatest transformation ever known to man. Shepherds must stay continually in love with God, this helps sustain the real passion and love for souls.

Shepherds love people - In love for God, we cannot separate the love for His people. I refer here to all human beings and not Christians only. A shepherd can only truly lead if he loves the people he shepherds. Genuine love is the factor that determines success in the role of a shepherd. The prayer Jesus prayed in John 17 reflects His love for the people He led. He didn’t pray for the twelve alone but also for the unborn would-be believers. I recall when I functioned as a prayer team leader in Glory House London. The prayer Pastor told me to pray always for the members of my team. She told me that true leadership involved praying for the followers. At that time, we had a list of members and I clipped my own copy on the wall of my room. I would wake up in the morning and spend time praying for these people. They may not have known this was going on but I did this faithfully and I enjoyed myself as I interceded for them. I got involved in their personal businesses. I spent night vigils praying for some of their problems. On one occasion, a member of the prayer ministry had a need for an accommodation. I prayed with her before going on vacation. Whilst on holiday, she called me to tell me that she had been given a flat by the council. I rejoiced greatly, it brought so much joy to my heart. Shepherds genuinely rejoice when followers get blessed just like a father rejoices over the success of his children. A “daughter” who I led to the Lord and discipled while in university called me to tell me she graduated with a first class honours and she got a management trainee position with a leading IT company. My heart leapt for joy because I had related with her as a father and had a great relationship with her. A shepherd must make it a priority to love his people and get involved in their welfare.

Shepherds pay attention to details - The people you look after will sometimes give you information about themselves that you must remember. This is closely tied to the previous paragraph. A real evidence that you love the flock is when you remember the details committed to you. It really makes a great difference when you remember people’s birthdays, wedding anniversaries and other special occasions. Attend such occasions even when it is a sacrifice. People remember that for long. When I got married in August 2001, my Pastors flew into London from ministry engagements in East Africa a day before my wedding, just to be in attendance and I always remember that kind gesture.

Shepherds are friendly - You cannot lead people if you have not captivated them by friendliness. It is almost impossible to succeed as a shepherd if the people you become responsible for cannot relate well with you.
It is wisdom to be friendly. That way, you become approachable. Unfriendly people carry around them unfriendly atmospheres that repel potential follow