Cattle herders don’t make good shepherds

“Instead of being people’s shepherd, caring for and protecting them, I have often been more like a cattle herder, shouting, calling and shoving them forward.  I’ve been determined to get this herd from Abilene to Kansas City—regardless of the cost. Surely it is God’s will for the church to move out in mission. As a result I’ve often treated people as a means to an end. Rather than embracing them as beloved children of God, I have tried emotionally and spiritually to coerce them into mission involvement.                                                                                                                                                 We are idolaters of our effort and impact when we sacrifice people’s dignity and even attempt to sacrifice  God on the altars of impact, efficiency and effectiveness.”

Excerpt from Dearborn, Beyond Duty: A Passion for Christ, A Heart for Mission (2013: 25-26)