Episode 002: A Call To biblical Shepherding
A Call to Biblical Shepherding (Episode 2)
Kyle Popineau and Don Sanderson unpack biblical shepherding from John 10 and Psalm 23—calling pastors to feed, lead, and protect the flock with a prayer-soaked presence. They contrast CEO culture with the Good Shepherd’smodel and get practical about scars, boundaries, family, and praying for pastors.
Top 3 Quotes
“Shepherds should smell like sheep.”
“We do love sheep. We do feed sheep. We do lead sheep. We also shoot wolves.”
“Leadership is the church’s new golden calf.”
Outline
Hook & Aim
Episode focus: Return to biblical shepherding; pastors are not priests mediating access—people can go to God directly.
Pastoring is more than speaking: it carries weight for souls and walking with people.
Good Shepherd Framework (John 10; Psalm 23)
Jesus is the model: love, lead, correct.
Pastor’s job description: feed, lead, protect (rod, staff, sling = protection & guidance).
Shearing metaphor: pastors help uncover wounds and bind them up; guide toward healing.
Pastor vs. CEO
Leadership skills help, but presence and discernment come from the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4: pastors/teachers equip saints; discipleship pipelines > leadership pipelines.
Shepherds lead at the pace of the flock; CEO/cowboy models drive people.
Scale & Access
Megachurches can shepherd if multiple pastors truly care for people and access remains.
Real issue is less size and more depth of shepherding.
Knowing the Flock
“Smell like sheep”: be present in real life (homes, offices, sidelines).
Pastoral equity comes from showing up in celebration and sorrow (weddings, funerals, baptisms).
Voice & Followship
Middle Eastern model: the shepherd goes before and sheep know his voice.
Pastors lead people to Jesus’ presence, modeling prayer and the Word.
Protection & Wolves
Guard doctrine and people; false teaching infects and devours.
Congregations should feel safety, even if pastors earn scars dealing with wolves.
Cost & Boundaries
Shepherding costs time, energy, money, sleep, and willingness to be misunderstood—but the ROI is souls.
Don: first calling is to be with Him; set rhythms that protect family and soul.
Critique of Leadership-Only Culture
Useful, but not the essence; keep Christ crucified/resurrected central.
Beware chasing trends; preach the Word (book-by-book steadiness brings healing).
Praying for Pastors & One Another
Call congregations to pray for pastors and families.
Pastors: lay hands, pray in the Spirit, and pray with/for each other regularly.
Close & Next Steps
Subscribe, share with pastors and those sensing a call.
Visit TheyCallMePastor.com for show notes, reading lists, and email signup.
Summary
Episode 2 contends that biblical shepherding—not CEO-style leadership—is the pastor’s core vocation. From John 10and Psalm 23, Kyle and Don describe a shepherd who feeds, leads, and protects: binding wounds, guarding against wolves, and guiding people by presence, prayer, and Scripture. They urge pastors to “smell like sheep,” keep access and discipleship central (Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 5), and recover practices like laying on of hands and praying for pastors. The cost is real, but the reward—souls and spiritual health—is worth everything.
Quick FAQ
What is biblical shepherding?
Leading like Jesus in John 10—feeding, leading, protecting—with prayerful presence and Scripture at the center.
Is leadership bad for pastors?
No, but leadership isn’t the essence; discipleship and shepherding must lead, with leadership serving that mission.
How can a church protect against “wolves”?
Teach sound doctrine, maintain pastoral presence, confront false teaching, and create a culture of prayer and accountability.
How do pastors “smell like sheep”?
Show up in everyday life—homes, workplaces, sidelines—and shepherd people personally.
Get in touch with Don + Kyle:
Pastor Don: Don@vistafirst.org | @donsanderson
Pastor Kyle: Kyle@leagcychurch.online | @kylepopineau