— DAY 8 —
MONDAY 10 AUGUST, 2026
THE POSTURE OF A SHEPHERD
SETTING THE SCENE
Leading people is rarely easy, clean, or convenient. Throughout their journey in the wilderness, the Israelites were notoriously difficult to lead. They complained constantly, doubted frequently, and repeatedly rebelled against authority. There were absolutely moments where Moses felt the crushing weight of their complaints and struggled deeply with how difficult they were to lead. Yet, despite the exhaustion and frustration, Moses’ true pastoral identity was defined by one undeniable reality, his heart was unshakeably for the people. When Miriam and Aaron turned on him and God struck Miriam with leprosy, Moses didn't celebrate his vindication. Instead, his deep affection and protective heart for his team instantly overrode his personal hurt. He fell on his face and cried out to God on behalf of the very sister who had just tried to undermine him, pleading for her restoration.
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
Numbers 12:11 to 13 (NLT)
"‘Oh, my lord!’ Aaron cried to Moses. ‘Please don’t punish us for this sin we have so foolishly committed. Don’t let her be like a stillborn baby, already decayed at birth.’ So Moses cried out to the Lord, ‘O God, I beg you, please heal her!’"
1 Peter 5:2 to 3 (NLT)
"Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly, not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example."
COMMENT
SHEPHERDING OVER TASK
When transitioning from relating upward to leading downward, one of the greatest traps we face is seeing people simply as a means to an end. It is easy to get so caught up in the task that we forget our primary responsibility, to shepherd the people in our care. God has not placed people in our team just to execute tasks. He placed them in our lives so we can point them to Jesus.
Ps Nathan recently reminded our leaders that what we do is first spiritual, and the task comes second. The task still matters, but we are first and foremost shepherds called to nurture, grow, and set an example that reflects Jesus.
SEEING PEOPLE AS THE MINISTRY
If Moses had viewed Miriam and Aaron merely as tools to get the job done, his reaction when they messed up would have been very different. He did not view them as a means to build his ministry. He saw them as his ministry! Because his heart was genuinely for the people, his immediate instinct was to intercede for Miriam's healing rather than celebrate her consequences.
Imagine the profound impact this had on Miriam and Aaron. When they dropped the ball, Moses did not make it about himself, push them aside, or shame them publicly. Instead, he cried out to God for mercy. Experiencing that level of grace undoubtedly shaped how they led others from that day forward, proving that people must always come before projects.
FEEDING GOD'S SHEEP
Above all, we must keep a heart for people. When Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?" His command was clear: "Feed my sheep."
When the people under your leadership feel you only value them for what they produce, they disengage. But when they know your heart is unshakeably for them, even when mistakes happen, their trust, safety, and spiritual capacity skyrocket. Let us follow the example of Jesus and shepherd His people with grace.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO POSTURE AS A SHEPHERD
Value the Person Over the Roster: Never start a team briefing or check-in by diving straight into tasks. Take the time to look your people in the eye, ask how their week has been, and care for their soul before you ask them to execute a role.
Intercede Through the Frustration: When a team member is being difficult, draining, or pushing back, refuse the urge to vent to others or defend your ego. Take that individual straight to God in private prayer, asking Him to bless and heal them.
Text to Check In, Not Just to Fill Gaps: Proactively reach out to your team members throughout the week when you don't need anything from them. A simple text saying, "Hey, I was praying for you today, how can I stand with you this week?" builds massive relational trust.
Look Past the Action to the Heart: When a team member underperforms or seems disconnected, don't just fix the task. Ask open-ended questions to find out what is happening beneath the surface in their personal life.
Pray for Your Flock by Name: Set aside intentional time during your week to pray specifically for the individuals on your team. You cannot effectively shepherd people in public if you are not fighting for them in private.
THE SHEPHERDING SELF ASSESSMENT
Pick the number that best describes where you feel you’re at right now with the team you lead.
The Taskmaster: I am completely task-driven. When people complain or make mistakes, I take it personally, get frustrated, and want to write them off. I only value people when they are executing perfectly.
The Passive Observer: I tolerate my team, but I keep my distance. When people are difficult or create friction, I quietly pull back and let them handle their tasks in isolation because I don't want to deal with the mess.
The Growing Caretaker: I want to have a heart for my team, but I often let the frustration of their complaints or shortcomings get the best of me. I am learning to slow down and pray for them, but it’s still a battle.
The True Shepherd: My heart is fiercely for my people. I feel the struggle and tension of leading them, but my automatic reflex is intercession, protection, and grace. I prioritize their restoration over my own validation.
ACTION POINTS
The First Five: Give God the first five minutes of your day in silence. Ask Him to give you an supernatural, protective love for the people you lead, breaking any spirits of frustration or resentment.
The Intercession Lift: Think of one team member under your care who has dropped the ball, been difficult, or created friction recently. Spend time intentionally praying for their blessing, health, and success today.
The Care Call: Pick one person on your team today and reach out to them completely unprompted. Simply ask how they are doing and how you can support them.
MAIN QUESTIONS
(Self Reflection)
Let’s Talk in the Chat
(on the Boot Camp group in Planning Center)One of the best parts of this journey is that we are not doing it alone. We want our chat to be a space of real connection as we learn how to shepherd the people God has placed in our care.
Jump into the group chat today and share:
God’s Voice: What is one specific thing you feel the Holy Spirit is whispering to your heart about viewing people as your ministry rather than a means to get tasks done?
Self Reflection: When those under your leadership make mistakes or drop the ball, what does your immediate reaction reveal about your heart toward them?
The Posture of a Shepherd: Moses interceded for Miriam even after she hurt him. How can you practically keep your heart open and gracious toward the people you lead when frustration or exhaustion creeps in?
The Wins: Share a time when a leader shepherded you through a mistake with grace and how that impacted your willingness to show grace to others and to serve?
Please Read:
Don't worry about sounding 'spiritual' The most encouraging thing you can share is your honest process. This is a self-reflection about what God is speaking directly to you about in YOUR life. Words like “I” and “Me” are encouraged, “we” and “us” less so.
PERSONAL PRAYER STARTER
"Lord, I’ll be honest, sometimes people are incredibly difficult to lead, and their complaints and flaws drain my energy. Forgive me for the times I have allowed my frustration to make me cynical or closed-hearted toward the team You gave me. Give me the heart of Moses. Help me to look past the offense, kill my pride, and develop an immediate reflex of prayer and protection for my flock. Let my team always know that I am fiercely for them, no matter how messy the journey gets. Amen."