I was reading an article recently that spoke of why people leave churches. Speaking out of a pastoral care context, something leaped off the page at me: postmodern people don't respond well to the mental image of a shepherd.
Really? I have never really thought much about it before. Personally, I have struggled with that metaphor b/c the image that I have of sheep and shepherds isn't a good one. First of all, I have never been around sheep. Second, I have always been told in my church experience that sheep are the most stupid creatures in existance. Next, what comes to mind when I hear the word shepherd is someone who has to discipline the dumb sheep. So could this be something that is not just personal, but more generational?
I probably struggle with this b/c I am in ministry. And yes, I want to look out for people and to help them spiritually. But is there a more culturally relevant metaphor?
This season on Nip/Tuck, there is a woman who is a life coach. This thought really intringued me. I have heard these type of people are really growing in popularity. Its like a personal trainer, but they help you not only physically, but with parenting, finanaces and with people skills. Many people have talked about the re-emergence of spiritual directors in the 21st century. Perhaps this could replace the image of a shepherd?
The analogy of the "S
epherd" and the sheep are partially used because of the era that "The Christ" taught. However, if you find you can't relate to this, then you must step back and consider veiwing the World through different eyes, if you cannot see that most people on Earth are "blind, deaf and dumb" metaphorically speaking, a fact that in no way is directly linked to intellect and have difficulty in the "art of discernment" then the "Shepherd" analogy will have little impact, get up off your knees and look around you, perhaps you will be amazed at what you see.
Postscript "The Christ doesn't make mistakes.
JBW
Posted by: johnnyboy-wonder | November 03, 2007 at 12:53 PM
The ministry of spiritual direction emerged from our Catholic sisters' and brothers' care to the Protestant world in the late 70s, early 80s. The granddaddy of Protestant training was birthed from the Shalem Center for Spiritual Formation in Washington DC. There are hundreds of male and female directors ready to walk with those who are seeking God in the new thing of the emeregent church. Read Peterson's "Under the Unpredictable Plant" or "Contemplative Pastor" to get a sense of the changing paridigms of the role of pastor.
Posted by: Jeb | January 16, 2005 at 07:32 PM
One of the first times I had thoughts along these lines was a couple of years ago when first reading A new kind of Christian. Neo was talking about how if Christ were on earth today, he may refer to the way of God as a network, or a commerce. Definately something worth thinking about.
Posted by: Benjy (groovythpstr) | October 03, 2004 at 06:50 AM
hmmm, interesting... definately worth some thought and maybe some research... come on, benjy! Break out the ol' surveys and tell us what metaphor works better :-)
Posted by: Anna | October 02, 2004 at 11:59 PM