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"To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice" (Jn.10:3,4). How can the sheep recognise the voice of their shepherd and refuse to go with anyone else? He knows each one of them by name because he has taken the trouble to get to know them, their condition and their needs. During this interaction, they have come to see that he is sincerely interested in their welfare and that he is not looking out for what he can get out of them! A preacher who knows the names of the people in the church but does not know them personally is not really a shepherd even if he officially holds that office. The sheep will also know that while he is good at giving impressive sermons exhibiting his Bible knowledge and speaking skills, he is not really concerned about feeding them, leading them to still waters and protecting them from the wolves. He may even run off to more lucrative sheepfolds or run away when he sees a wolf coming.

The apostle Paul had many roles as teacher, prophet, shepherd, evangelist, etc. His pastor's heart can be seen from the fact that he was always thinking of what he could do to benefit the people he reached, and that he never held back anything that could help them (Ac.20:26,27). Contrast this with those who watch the politics in the church and play according to its wind! When discipline is what is required and they play 'peace', God will hold them responsible for the blood on their hands (Ez.34:2). When correction might result in less offerings or numbers, where can God find shepherds who would stand faithful to their calling?

On the other hand, things are turning out these days in such a way, that many who appear to be true sheep in God's fold are only there for fun and games and not for salvation for which God has paid the ultimate price. As long as there is good music and also there are social opportunities, they are not worried too much about the food that the shepherd offers. This results in a comfortable place for the shepherd and the sheep where everything is pleasant and enjoyable.

If the shepherd does not realise that a lot of sheep in the fold have just wandered in or come because of biological increase, and notice that many of them do not even know the Chief Shepherd, he will find out soon when problems develop and fences get broken, sheep scatter or wolves come in.

True shepherds have a direct calling from the Master and for them it is not a profession for making their livelihood where they will produce sermons, conduct weddings and funerals, say professional prayers for whoever wants them, etc. They see it as a responsibility that the Master has entrusted to them. They carry a burden for the sheep in their hearts and constantly seek God for help and direction. Many times God gets disappointed (Ez.22:30).

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