SHEPHERD??

Today it seems most churches have pastors and other staff members who have their doctorate or other post graduate degree.  There seems to be some sort of pre-conceived idea that you cannot shepherd a flock without some college and/or seminary saying that you are qualified.  Having a Doctorate is great as long as you have been set aside by GOD to be a shepherd.   The term "Pastor", originally the Latin word for "shepherd", is now used solely to denote the clergy of most Christian denominations. 

A shepherd was NOT a desired occupation in biblical times.  One had to be willing to spend his time and resources to assure his sheep were fed and protected.  It was not a 9 to 5 job!   Whenever a sheep wandered from the flock, it was a shepherds job a go find the sheep and return them to the flock.  In John 10:27 JESUS says "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."   King David was a shepherd in his younger days.   Psalms 23 is a wonderful example of how The LORD cares for HIS own. 

I think it is high time we realize that the MAIN qualification for being a leader (of believers) is to be "CALLED"!  I have been blessed to have known many "called" men of GOD.  I also know many great orators, communicators, and speech givers who do not have a calling from The LORD on their life.  Some are great people, but they are not called.  

One will never be a successful pastor unless he is called by GOD.  You can get all the degrees and certificates man has to offer, but without GOD's calling, your ministry will never be productive.