Sheep and Shepherds 1

First of two studies prepared for the Gibraltar Archdeaconry Synod 2011.

RELATIONSHIPS OR DIVISIONS?
The theme of this synod is ‘Growing Together’. The way Christians grow together is as the sheep of the Good Shepherd. This is a theme that runs through the Bible form Genesis to Revelations, from Abel to Jesus.
Jesus thought it was very significant and used the analogy frequently. It is worth revisiting to help us think through the state of the church and the implications for leadership, discipleship and mission. Perhaps you may feel that this biblical material is especially relevant in the context of ‘expat’ churches. Is there a tendency, perhaps, for some congregations to put up barriers and try to exist as little bastions of England?

How do we view sheep?
Positive Negative
Cuddly Stupid
Cute... Silly

Bible Study
John 10: 1 – 18, 27 – 30.
The quotes come from Ezekiel 34: 11 – 16 where God criticises the leaders of his people and promises to come in person. John 10 shows how Jesus fulfils this promise.

Discussion
Our relationship with God
1. It’s not always easy to distinguish God’s voice. In our churches, what realistic ways can we help each other grow in the ability to listen to, recognise, trust and follow our good shepherd?

2. Jesus defines the good shepherd as one who lays down his life for the sheep. He also claims he and the Father are one. As clergy or Synod representatives we have a leadership role. As leaders (shepherds) in our churches, in what ways do we find these claims reassuring or challenging, in what sense are we required to lay down our lives?

Example: we see God in the person of Jesus Example: If Jesus shows his vulnerability, and he and God are one, does that change our view of God?

Our relationship with each other

3a. The Church of England is currently full of divisions and strife e.g. topics such as women bishops and homosexuality. What changes would you like to see in the way these debates are conducted?

3b. How does the teaching in John 10 apply to our relationships with other churches and denominations? What about collaboration with other faiths? What approach is best and why?

Sharing Ideas

As leaders, are there any special challenges within an ‘expat’ church? For ourselves? For our ‘flocks’? How can these be overcome?
A chance to briefly share problems and solutions within the whole group.


Prayer
Father, we pray in humility that through this Synod we may increase our understanding of how we can work together for your glory. We pray that we can stick together with other like sheep, even if we find that image challenging or unflattering. As we think through the different issues that we are discussing this week, please guide us by your Holy Spirit so that we may do your will, not ours. Amen

Recommended reading: Alison, J. (1998) Knowing Jesus SPCK (This new edition has a foreword by ++ Rowan Williams)