Cowboy vs. Shepherd
by Becky Dietz
Shepherding has changed—in America, at least. Modern shepherds are more like cowboys. They have less open land available because much of our land is fenced off. So instead of being shepherds, they’re cowboy sheep owners. Instead of intimately caring for the sheep, they fence their sheep in and then ride their horse along the fence to make sure things are ok. They count their losses ahead of time; knowing a bobcat or wolf might get into the fenced field. Instead of leading them to green grass and making sure there are no poisonous weeds, they plant hay and place them in the field to eat. Instead of leading them to still streams, they provide a trough of running water. They never name their sheep. Why become intimate with an animal which will only be slaughtered? Most sheep owners are most concerned about the bottom dollar—what will their sheep provide in wool, lamb skin, or meat? The end goal is more for the sheep owner than for the sheep.
Have spiritual shepherds changed in much the same way? How can a pastor of a mega church do anything but ride their horse along the fence? How can he be intimately acquainted with more than a handful of people? Do pastors of small churches even know the issues of their people? Are they providing nourishing food and fresh water for those known needs? Are shepherds fencing their people in instead of taking them to higher ground? Are shepherds more concerned about the bottom dollar than the spiritual, mental, and emotional needs of their people? Do the sheep feel known, loved, and cared for? Do they believe their shepherd will carry them when they’re injured—or just put them out to pasture?
I think we need to examine how we’re shepherding. God has entrusted us to shepherd His people. He didn’t call us to be cowboys riding the fence overseeing His sheep. We’re not to just toss food at them and leave them on their own. Who will be there when their belly gets distended because of wrong food? Who will kill the wolf, bobcat, or mountain lion? God intends for us to be intimately acquainted with the sheep and care deeply for all their needs. We’re to get dirty—and even smell like sheep. Are we like the Good Shepherd or more like a cowboy sheep owner who cares more about ourselves—and the bottom dollar?
