Day 21-Shepherding Rewards

The rewards of shepherding are out of this world! Rewards begin in relationship with God. We love because He first love us (1 John 4:19). Out of that intentional care on God’s part, we are called to serve Him through the Sunday School. That reward is an awesome privilege and responsibility. As we shepherd the sheep that God has placed in our care, we realize many shepherding rewards: The reward of…

• knowing saved people along with lost and unconnected people.
• listening to the joys, hurts, needs, and ideas of group members.
• leading attenders to encounter God in Bible study and adjust their lives.
• being trusted as your example and teaching intersect with relationships.
• guiding lost people toward a life-changing relationship with God through Jesus.
• guiding new Christians to take steps of trust, growth, and service.
• walking with believers as they take steps toward becoming followers.
• seeing followers grow into disciplers as they connect with and encourage others.
• encouraging disciples as they multiply themselves into others.
• recognizing and leading the class to meet a group member’s needs.
• realizing class growth relationally, numerically, spiritually, and in community impact.

Wow, what a list! Beside these rewards, consider what our Lord will proclaim about our faithful service (Matthew 25:23):

Well done, good and faithful servant!

The impact of your service will pay dividends in this world and in life eternal. Pursue the heavenly prize (Philippians 3:14). Give your best to God and those He has entrusted into your care. Thank Him for the privilege and high calling. Thank Him for the help and hope. Thank Him for the rewards. They are truly out of this world!

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Darryl Wilson serves as Sunday School & Discipleship Consultant for the Kentucky Baptist Convention. He served as Minister of Education in five churches in Kentucky and South Carolina and is the author of The Sunday School Revolutionary!, a blog about life-changing Sunday School and small groups.