Throughout the Bible, kings were the leaders of civil government. Today, most nations no longer have a king, but governments still have “shepherds” who execute the various powers found in government. Shepherds oversee the people of God, both in the church (Acts 20:28) as well as nations (Jeremiah 23:1).
God has raised up shepherds in His creation. The shepherd is essential, often unliked, and as a result has the most difficult job in the world. The shepherd’s role is to guide sheep who do not wish to be guided to the path of life. They are a guide, a guardian, and a protector. God calls His shepherds to lay down their life for their sheep, even when the sheep do not notice and will seldom thank them for it. The shepherd rarely looks out for his own interests, but for the interest of others.
God’s institution of government also has shepherds. That role traditionally rested with a king as lawmaker, judge, and executive. In America, these roles rest with U.S. Congress and state legislatures, the president and governors, and supreme court justices. These are America’s shepherds of government.
The Church Ambassador Network wants to connect pastors, who are the shepherds of the Church, to governing authorities, who are the shepherds of government. It is therefore important to identify who fulfils the roles of the king, the shepherd, in our government. As an example, we will look at the powerful kings in the book of Daniel, identifying the six primary powers of the king. Whoever holds these powers are the shepherds of government.
The roles of king in America are found in congressmen and legislators, the president and governors, supreme court justices, and the people. Other examples in Kansas can be found in 309 school boards, 607 incorporated cities, and 105 counties. The Church is called to be the moral compass and guide to all of them.
Foundational Principles: