The Shepherd's Heart: Healthy Enough to Go Far

Stop asking who's feeding you. Start asking “who am I feeding?”

Speaker: Pastor Caleb Culver
Date: February 22, 2026

We're not just called to be a part of the Church—we're called to shepherd it. Pastor Caleb Culver shares a powerful message on the gifts of the five-fold ministry and how we’re each designed to lead, care for, and steward God’s people well. Check out this sermon!

Here's a 5-day devotional guide based on this sermon:

Day 1: Jesus, Our Chief Shepherd

Reading: John 10:7–15

Devotional: Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." Unlike the shepherds of Israel who fed themselves, Jesus gave His own body as provision. He didn't just lead us to pasture—He became the food. When Jesus broke bread and said, "This is my body broken for you," He revealed the ultimate shepherd's heart. Every other leader points to resources; Jesus is the resource. Today, reflect on how Jesus has provided for you not just with things, but with Himself. His torn body became your gateway to the Father. How does knowing that the Creator of the universe sacrificed Himself specifically for you change how you approach Him today?

Day 2: From Being Fed to Feeding Others

Reading: John 21:15–17

Devotional: Three times, Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" And three times He responded with the same command: "Feed my sheep." Jesus wasn't questioning Peter's love; He was rewriting shame and commissioning him into mature discipleship. Notice Jesus didn't say, "Receive more teaching" or "Attend more services." He said, "Feed others." Spiritual maturity isn't measured by how much we consume, but by how much we give away. The disciples handed out food to thousands while their own stomachs growled, yet twelve baskets remained—one for each of them. When you obey God by feeding His flock, there's always a feast left for you. Stop asking, "Who's feeding me?" and start asking, "Who am I feeding?" Your abundance flows from your obedience to shepherd others.

Day 3: The Five-Fold Gift and Healthy Community

Reading: Ephesians 4:11–16

Devotional: Jesus didn't give the church celebrities; He gave us trainers. The five-fold ministry—apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers—aren't titles to admire from a distance but functions that equip you for ministry. You are the athlete, not the spectator. The goal isn't comfort; it's maturity "to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." A healthy church needs all five expressions working together. Mission without family burns out. A family without a mission becomes self-absorbed. But family on mission—where people are both cared for and challenged—goes far together. Consider: Which aspect of Jesus's ministry do you most resist? The apostolic challenge? The prophetic conviction? The evangelistic urgency? Ask God to help you receive all five dimensions so you can grow into Christ's fullness.

Day 4: Opening Your Heart to Be Shepherded

Reading: Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1–4

Devotional: Shepherds are described as "overseers of souls," but they can only oversee what they can see. Being shepherded requires vulnerability—allowing yourself to be truly known. It's easier to judge the church from a distance than to risk belonging. It takes courage to approach the church not as a problem to fix but as a people to love. Perhaps you've been hurt or disappointed. Maybe you've kept church at arm's length, protecting yourself with accusations or critiques. But the Chief Shepherd is calling your name. You belong in the fold, not because people are perfect—they'll fail you—but because Jesus is faithful. Today, ask God for courage to open your heart. Identify one person in your church community and take a step toward being seen and known by them.

Day 5: Becoming a Shepherding Flock

Reading: 1 Peter 5:1–4; Acts 20:28–31

Devotional: Peter, who received Jesus's commission to "feed my sheep," later wrote to fellow elders: "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you." Notice the progression—from being shepherded by Jesus to shepherding others. The goal isn't just having good pastors; it's becoming a shepherding congregation. When Tom collapsed at church, a nine-year-old heard the Holy Spirit say, "Do CPR." A medical volunteer used the AED. The body sprang into action because they carried a shepherd's heart. For years, Tom and Beth had faithfully served in children's ministry, feeding lambs. When the crisis came, they discovered a feast prepared for them. Your faithful feeding of others today provides for your provision tomorrow. Who in your sphere needs shepherding? A struggling parent? A lonely neighbor? A hurting coworker? Don't wait for a title. Carry the heart of the shepherd today.