Embracing the Heart of a Shepherd
Pastor Caleb Culver
February 22, 2026 Message Recap
It’s easy to approach church with a consumer mindset.
We may find ourselves asking:
Am I being fed here?
Are my needs being met?
What can this church do for me?
The biblical vision of the church is far from a consumer mindset. It’s a family where each member contributes to the health of the body of Christ. Yes, we need to be fed spiritually and receive discipleship, but we are also called to care for others. A shepherd heart shifts the question from “Who is feeding me?” to “Who am I feeding?”
The Five-Fold Ministry
When Jesus walked the earth, He embodied every gift of the five-fold ministry:
Apostle — sent with authority and mission
Prophet — speaking God’s Word with clarity
Evangelist — proclaiming the Good News
Shepherd — caring for and protecting people
Teacher — grounding others in truth
When Christ ascended, instead of taking these gifts with Him, He distributed them throughout the church. The goal is clear:
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ… to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12–13)
The five-fold ministry doesn’t replace the body of Christ—it equips it. Leadership isn’t reserved for “spiritual celebrities” or pastors; it’s for everyone. While we each have different talents and giftings, we’re all called to be shepherds.
The Good Shepherd Who Became the Lamb
In Gospel of John 10, Jesus make a bold declaration:
“The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Most shepherds lead their sheep, but Jesus became the Lamb. At the Last Supper, He said, “This is my body, broken for you.”
The Shepherd became the sacrifice.
Leadership in the body of Christ is not dominance—it’s sacrificial love. The heart of a shepherd mirrors the ultimate Good Shepherd: Jesus. We have to lay aside our comforts, preferences, and self-serving tendencies in order to serve others.
“Feed My Sheep”
After the resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?”
Each time Peter answered yes, Jesus responded:
“Feed My lambs.”
“Tend My sheep.”
“Feed My sheep.”
Jesus wasn’t questioning Peter’s love for Him. He was reminding Him of the responsibilities that come with loving like Jesus.
The heart of a shepherd is not about position or status—it’s about servanthood.
The Invitation to Spiritual Maturity
When we take on the responsibility to love Jesus’ people, we begin to ask new faith-shaping questions:
Who am I feeding?
Who am I noticing?
Where can I serve?
How can I love intentionally?
When Jesus fed the five thousand, the disciples distributed the bread, even though they were just as hungry. Yet, after everyone ate, twelve baskets remained—one for each disciple.
Jesus promises that when you feed His sheep, there is always provision left for you.
Scripture References
Ephesians 4:11–13
Acts 13:1–4
John 10:1–18
John 21:15–19
Matthew 14:13–21
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About Radiant Church
Founded in 1996, Radiant Church has grown into a multi-location church committed to biblical teaching, discipleship, and mission.
At Radiant Church, there is an invitation to grow in your spiritual journey, build meaningful community, and truly get connected. We are passionate about helping people grow in faith, encounter the presence of God, and become part of a church grounded in Spirit and truth.