The Under-Shepherd

An under-shepherd is one who is under the authority of another spiritual leader and works in conjunction with other five-fold ministers to aid in the development and perfection of the Body of Christ.

SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITY

Hebrews 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

An under-shepherd must be in submission to instituted authority. He must honor and respect those whom the Holy Ghost has set in authority. This respect is not only for those above him in rank or responsibility, but those who are on the same level as him, but may have other areas of responsibility. He must respect the operation of the Holy Ghost in the lives of his comrades just as he does in his leader. He must also be willing to learn from those at or beneath his level of responsibility.

SUBMISSION TO THE MESSAGE

1. An under-shepherd should not attempt to teach that which he does not believe or understand. There is no way one can successfully affect others with a message he does not fully understand or believe.

2. An under-shepherd must minister only those things that have had an effectual work in him. If this is the case, the grace that he has received is enough to assure his ability to walk in the message.

3. Once influence is effectual, the leader is expected to maintain a walk depictive of the Word he has ministered. He owes this to his people, as it provides them with a living example of the truth.

SUBMISSION TO SPIRITUAL STRUCTURE

The under-shepherd must submit to organizational order inside of the reformation in which he belongs. The calling for which he is anointed will determine his place of service. He must remember that it is the Father who determines the gift we are to operate in. This is not his call.

1 Corinthians 12:18

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

The gift of the under-shepherd will make room for him. However, in order for the movement into ministry to be peaceable and without strife, the under-shepherd must increase in patience. Anything less than patience will birth a lust for ministry. Under-shepherds must trust the leader to install them in areas of ministry that may not seem related to their calling. In such cases these areas are platforms for training. They will become stepping stones to their place of function. The chief of these are places of extreme natural and spiritual servitude. These platforms are selected by the Holy Ghost to develop character and patience. They are designed to reveal their spiritual location and the progression of spiritual development.

Colossians 3:23-24

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

PROGRESSIVE MINISTRY

Under-shepherds must always consider the spiritual order of development. It is the Father who provides food for the flock. Under-shepherds must be willing to submit to ministering the message that is being poured out in the Body. The Word of God is progressive and the message must be the same. If an under-shepherd does not follow this protocol, they will run the risk of hindering the spiritual growth of the people they minister to; and they will cease to grow. In fact, the people of God will surpass them. God will not allow an under-shepherd to stand between Him and the flock continually. If he does not follow the progressive nature of the Word, he will become as one who is a babe in the midst of those whom he might have once taught.

Hebrews 5:12-14

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

In true operation, apostolic order is designed to systematically develop the people of God. All pastors, teachers, evangelists, and prophets must be ready to extend the prophetic message coming from the apostle to the congregation. This is the only mindset that will ensure the unity of the faith. Every word that comes forth from the Father is designed to allow progressive spiritual movement. Each member of the five-fold team of ministers must work together to systematically destroy old mindsets and establish the mind of Christ which reflects the heart of God in the people.