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Champions Fax Archiveby Dr. Harold Westing Volume 3, Number 22, November 2, 1998 In Part 2, Dr. Westing will give examples from scripture of appropriate application of the roles of prophet and shepherd for interventionists. It may help if you can visualize both ends of the consulting continuum; the role of a shepherd and the role of a prophet. The role of a shepherd, portrayed in the Bible, is a more subjective role in the intervention process. The study of these texts may help you understand that role: Acts 20:28-31 shows the shepherd as a watchman; Hebrews 13:17 – as a guide; I Corinthians 9:16-23 – as a rescuer; Acts 20:28 and I Peter 5:2-4 – as a provider; Romans 12:15 – as a physician; Isaiah 40:11 – as a lover of the sheep. On the other hand, the role of a prophet tends to be more objective. This role is one of a truth-teller that objectively sees the issue and speaks to those issues. The role of the prophet in scripture is portrayed in passages such as Exodus 18:12-27 and Daniel 5. The role of the prophet tends to be: one who is filled with the wisdom of God; speaks a judgment from God; helps others know what they know; helps others see what they cannot see; makes interpretations about what he knows; gives guidance; builds a sense of interdependence with God; and seeks clarification. Once you understand the difference between these roles, you can see how important it is to know the congregation's readiness level before choosing your style. No matter which role is played, it is always important to have the attitude of a servant (doulous) while carrying on the servant's activity (deaconess). The idea here is not to be the harsh disciplinary father, but the tender, caring prophet. If the interventionist seeks to speak as a prophet and a shepherd simultaneously, the prophetic utterances may be negated. The cutting edge of the words of the rescuing empathetic shepherd may keep them from hearing the prophetic word from God via the prophet. Often a denominational executive who was formerly a pastor may find it almost impossible to speak like a prophet. The study of the roles that Jesus played as he spoke to different people could be very helpful. At times, you hear him speak in prophetic utterances and at other times, he comes alongside as the counseling shepherd. What the church of Christ needs are interventionists who understand the distinctive differences in those roles and know how to play them so that the Kingdom of God might be greatly enhanced. Dr. Harold Westing is the Director of the Center for Leadership Development in Englewood, Colorado and can be reached by phone at 303.770.8214. There is limited space available for the Gathering of Champions event in Dallas, Texas, January 10-12, 1999. The conference fee is $225. To register, call 888.LEADNET.
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