Do our churches have sheperds or hirelings?

John 10:11-13 (The Message)

11-13"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. He's only in it for the money. The sheep don't matter to him.

My first years in bible college our professor said 90% of pastors are good as gold the other 10% are bologna. That was 20 years ago, i think the number of selfish, fake pastors is on the rise. Sounds harsh i know but when the bad lawyers and politicians do stupid things its up the good ones to protect their profession by discliping the bad ones. Needless to say, no denomination catholic or protestant is willing to keep any accoutable much less disclipine or remove anyone from office. Most denominations are fraternities that keep the "good ole boy" network going and defends its own regardless of the health of the churches these pastors serve. So how do you tell if your organization or church is led by a hired gun and will run the first time there is a rough spot or he doesn't get his way.

1. Does the leader teach personal sacrifice for the sake of the flock or biz.? Does he model it? how? in time or money?

2. Is there a team, not "me" mentality? Is he a "general" barking orders?

3. Is there a kingdom mindset that promotes the kingdom over promoting a church or leaders name?

Job 7:2
As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:

4. Is there a high turn over rate of staff members? All the good staff people seem to leave?

5. How does the leader show loyalty and honor to those he serves with and over?

6. Has the leader stuck thru some bad times? When he could have left for greener pastures or is it that he is constantly looking for greener pastures in other states and churches, but none can be found or at least none that will match his present salary?

7. Has the left other flocks "holding the bag?"

8. Has a number of sheep left the flock due to neglect or abuse? Is there signs of fleecing the flock for financial gain even outside the church in seperate dealings?

Beware of jealous/insecure leaders their envy drives them to draw
people to themselves and not to Jesus and His church! judahsmith