Daily text, Sunday, May 13. 2018

[Queen Esther]

Shepherd the flock of God.—1 Pet. 5:2.

The need for shepherds in the Christian congregation is great, and those who will do such work in the future need ongoing training. Paul told Timothy: “The things you heard from me that were supported by many witnesses, these things entrust to faithful men, who, in turn, will be adequately qualified to teach others.” (2 Tim. 2:1, 2) Timothy learned by serving alongside the apostle, an older man. Then Timothy applied Paul’s methods in his own ministry and other aspects of sacred service. (2 Tim. 3:10-12) Paul did not leave Timothy’s training to chance. He had the young man accompany him. (Acts 16:1-5) Elders can imitate Paul’s example by taking qualified ministerial servants along on shepherding calls when appropriate. Elders thus give such brothers an opportunity to observe firsthand the teaching, faith, patience, and love required of Christian overseers. This procedure contributes to the training of future shepherds of “the flock of God.” w16.08 4:16, 17

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2018/5/13