Under the umbrella

Many professing Christians - most often those who are not committed partners in a healthy congregation - don't see Christ's purpose for creating the church family. Simply put, He knew (because He is the Creator) that we need one another and only when we're joined together can we accomplish His Great Commission.

Some, because of past experiences and upbringing rebel at structure and authority in their lives. They speak of the "institutional" church in negative tones, as though there should be no structure, leadership or expectations. Usually those kinds of folks either don't last long in a church (at least not in one like NHC) or they float around, never dropping anchor.

Jesus called us lambs and sheep because He knew we needed protection. He described Himself as the "Good Shepherd", willing to lay down His life for His sheep. Peter calls Him the Chief Shepherd. David's 23rd Psalm describes Him as the all providing protector shepherd. But it was this same Shepherd who told Peter to "feed" (shepherd) His (Jesus') sheep.

When Paul met with the elders of the church of Ephesus on the shores of Miletus he spoke clearly and candidly about their role as "shepherds" of the flock "over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers". In every church Paul organized he appointed elders to serve as shepherds, knowing that God expects His sheep to be guarded by competent, godly men.

Guarding the sheep against the "wolves" can be difficult work, especially when a sheep refuses to believe he/she is in danger. Shepherds are called upon to identify threats to the sheep and if those threats are within the flock, to remove them to prevent harm from coming to the flock. Facing wolves can be scary! But it comes with the job.

In a sense then, the church serves as a protective umbrella. At NHC that umbrella includes the close, godly relationships of a Connection Group. It includes partners on your ministry team who serve with you. And certainly it includes the shepherds God has placed in your life to guard, warn and come to your defense.

Outside of the umbrella it's raining. There is no protection from the pelting rain or the harshness of the sun. There is no one to seek after straying lambs; no one to stand up to the wolves in your life. For a professing believer, being outside of the umbrella is a dangerous place to be.

Thanks to Jesus for making sure His sheep have a fold, a shelter and shepherds to watch over them.