Big Idea: God has called men and women in the church to fulfill unique but complementary roles. Men are called to shepherd and women are called to serve. In these roles we manifest the Lord Christ as we advance the gospel message.

Both, men and women play a significant role in Jesus’ ministry.
Both, men and women have a particular role in Jesus’ ministry.
Men are primarily called to lead in the ministry of Jesus and therefore in the church.
Women are primarily called to serve in the ministry of Jesus and therefore in the church.
Both roles are essential to the success of the spread of the gospel and the discipling of the nations.

Men are Called to _____________________________

Luke 8:1 (ESV) — 1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him,

Gen. 2:7-25 (pg. 2)

The typical pattern throughout the entire bible is that men are called to lead God’s people according to his Word and into biblical flourishing.

“From start to finish, the leaders among God’s Old Testament people were men. We see this pattern first of all with the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Though imperfect men to be sure, they were responsible for the safety and well-being of their families. The Old Testament doesn’t emphasize the father’s rule in ancient Israel as much as it underscores the central role the father fulfilled as the provider and protector of the household… following the patriarchs, we see that the leaders of the exodus and the conquest were men: Moses, Aaron, and Joshua. As Israel’s worship and polity developed, we see that the leaders under Moses were all men (Ex. 18:21-22). The priests and Levites were all men. The judges, with one exception, were all men. The priests, of every rank, were all men. The monarchs of Israel, with one exception, were all men. The most significant public prophets…were all men. All the writing prophets were men. All those who rightfully occupied a governing office in Israel were men.”

Kevin DeYoung; Men and Women in the Church, pg 36

Men Ought to Lead as ________________________________

1 Peter 5:1–4 (ESV) — 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Ezekiel 34:1-10 (pg. 676)

In every instance, we see that a man’s model of leadership is most expressly derived from those responsibilities and concerns that a shepherd holds in caring for his flock.

Know the Sheep

John 10:1–3 (ESV) — 1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Protect the Sheep

Acts 20:28–32 (ESV) — 28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

Feed the Sheep

John 21:15 (ESV) — 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

Lead the Sheep

Psalm 23:1–4 (ESV) — 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

A Demonstration of God’s Abundant Mercy