I am delighted to connect with you through the Herald Newsletter. As I mentioned during my first welcome Mass at Christ the King, I have embraced this new assignment in obedience to God’s will. I have come here to serve as your shepherd. With that in mind, I find it fitting to share my reflection on shepherd leadership. We are called to look to Christ, the Good Shepherd, whose life and ministry provide the perfect model of leadership grounded in love, compassion, and humility. In John 10:11, Jesus proclaims, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” This declaration captures the heart of Christian leadership—a leadership based on self-sacrifice, genuine care for others, and a profound commitment to the flock’s well-being.
THE HEART OF A SHEPHERD
A shepherd leader is, first and foremost, a servant. Jesus did not seek to dominate, control, or impose His authority. Instead, He walked among the people, healing, teaching, and offering His very life for their sake. As parishioners of Christ the King Parish, we are called to model our lives after this example of shepherd leadership, where service, not power, defines our roles.
To be a shepherd is to lead by example, embodying the virtues of patience, kindness, and mercy. It is about seeing each person as a beloved child of God, worthy of respect and dignity. When we lead with the heart of a shepherd, we create communities of love, where everyone feels valued and cared for.
LISTENING AND GUIDING.
One of the key characteristics of a good shepherd is the ability to listen. A shepherd knows his flock, their needs, struggles, and fears. In the same way, as leaders in our families, workplaces, and parish community, we are called to listen with empathy and understanding. We can offer meaningful guidance through attentive listening and helping others navigate life’s challenges.
In our parish, shepherd leadership means walking alongside one another, guiding each other toward holiness and deeper faith. It is about creating an environment where everyone can grow spiritually, supported by the love and encouragement of the community.
LEADERSHIP IN HUMILITY
Shepherd leadership is also marked by humility. A good shepherd recognizes that the flock belongs to God, not to them. In the same way, we are called to lead with a sense of stewardship, knowing that our role is to care for the people and resources God has entrusted us. This requires humility, an understanding that we are not the source of authority but servants of a higher calling.
As we reflect on the leadership of Jesus, we are reminded that He washed His disciples’ feet, showing that true leadership is about serving others, not being served. This humble act calls us to embrace servant leadership in our lives, especially in all our parish ministries.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF SHEPHERDS
We have many opportunities to exercise shepherd leadership in our parish. Whether through parish ministries, outreach programs, or simple acts of kindness, each of us has a role to play in building a community that reflects the love and leadership of Christ. We are all called to be shepherds in our own way, looking out for one another and ensuring that no one feels lost or forgotten.
Let us continue to pray for the grace to lead like Christ, the Good Shepherd, who not only lays down His life for the flock but also nurtures, guides, and protects them with unwavering love. In doing so, we fulfill our mission as His disciples, building a parish where shepherd leadership is not just a concept but a lived reality.
May Christ the King, our Good Shepherd, guide us in all our efforts to serve one another with love and humility!
