sheepdog not shepherd

Pastors and worship leaders are often referred to as “shepherds” of people. The New Testament writers used this language as well. But, what if we saw ourselves more like sheepdogs? Read on…

BUT… before we dive in… 🎉 congrats to Amanda in Arizona for winning our giveaway from the last email 🎉

Thanks to everyone who gave great feedback!

In Today’s Email

1. Qualities & Questions for the Sheepdog

2. Open Worship Roles! - Likewise Connection

3. Proverbs 2:6-8

Qualities and Questions for the Sheepdog

There are multiple instances when the writers of the New Testament refer to pastors as “shepherds.” (Eph 4:11; Acts 20:28)

One text we find especially helpful in clarifying the role of a pastor or worship leader is 1 Peter 5:2-4:

Pastoral/spiritual leadership comes with many temptations. Often times, the greatest is pride. Sometimes, we are tempted to believe that those we’ve been given to “shepherd” are our sheep.

*Important clarifier: even if you don’t have the “title” of pastor, if you’re leading others in worship from the stage, you are doing pastoral work and your congregation will see you as a spiritual leader.

God has called us to care for, oversee, and be an example for the flock. But what Peter says is very helpful… “And when the chief Shepherd appears…”

It’s here we are reminded that we are not THE shepherd. We’re “undershepherds.” Or, even more helpful, we are sheepdogs.

What is a sheepdog?

For starters, sheepdogs are bred and trained. Certain breeds are born with the natural ability and instinct necessary for carrying out the tasks desired by the Shepherd. Some breeds are designed for specific roles. And some breeds just aren’t designed for any of these roles at all.

Sheepdogs are trained to carry out four main duties: mustering, herding, droving, and protecting.

For a deeper look at the role of a sheepdog and how it relates to a worship leader, read below!

The sheepdog carries out important duties when moving the sheep, keeping them together, and protecting them.

The most important note is this: they only act upon the commands given to them by the shepherd.

The sheepdog is at the ready, not to lead the sheep, but to listen and obey every command and instruction of the shepherd.

The sheepdog only succeeds if it accomplishes the will of the shepherd. There is no other circumstance in which the sheepdog has completed their duty.

In the same way, we must be willing to be led. The title of “worship pastor” or “worship leader” isn’t a designation that signals that we have arrived. It doesn’t suggest that we are now capable of charting the course and leading others on it.

The opposite is true. To assume that title is to commit to bending the ear and the knee to the Chief Shepherd. It is to understand what HIS desire is for HIS church and then make every effort towards that end.

The danger of a closed ear to the Chief Shepherd is often a missed opportunity to lead well. We don’t intentionally ignore His guidance, but we often forget to pray for wisdom and pay attention.

How often do you consult your Lord? How often is He invited into the process of planning, preparation, and pastoral work?

Just as their are spiritual implications for understanding the role of a sheepdog, there are also practical ones as well.

Chances are, you are not the highest authority figure at your church. This means that you report to someone and that you are subject to the direction and correction of others. Our ability as worship leaders to respond appropriately to those who have been placed in authority over us says much about our maturity. 

Below are 3 ways to know that you have the posture of a sheepdog and 3 questions to routinely ask yourself.

3 Ways Sheepdogs Show Up

1. I remember to seek wisdom from God.

2. I ultimately seek to lead people to Jesus, not myself.

3. I am able to follow directions and receive feedback.

Do these describe you?

3 Questions to Ask

1. How often do I ask the Lord for wisdom?

2. Am I willing to be led by another?

3. How do I instinctively react to requests, correction, or feedback?

It would be a helpful exercise to sit with someone you know and process these questions regularly.

Open Worship Roles! - Likewise Connection

Introducing 🎉Likewise Connection!🎉 Connection is the “staffing” arm of Likewise Worship.

The goal of Likewise Connection is to connect healthy leaders with healthy churches.

We’ll be sending a monthly “job board” with open roles across the country. To receive those opportunities in your inbox once per month, click the button below to subscribe to our Likewise Connection newsletter!

If you are interested in applying for the open roles mentioned below or want to be considered for future roles, click the button below to get the process started.

Current Open Worship Roles

Worship Pastor – Valley Baptist Church | Bakersfield, CA 

Lead worship in a large, vibrant church of 4,500+ with a legacy of global impact and local momentum. This full-time role calls for a dynamic leader who can shepherd a multigenerational congregation and staff team in a gospel-centered worship culture. 

Worship Director – Trinity Presbyterian Church | San Diego, CA (Part-time)

Join a church focused on deep discipleship, creative expression, and team development. This full-time role blends relational leadership with musical excellence to help shape vibrant weekend worship and a healthy volunteer culture. 

Worship Director – Trinity Church | Redlands, CA 

Help a healthy, multigenerational church reimagine worship as a full-time director. You’ll shepherd a talented team, lead blended worship, and guide the community in gospel-shaped experiences through hymns and contemporary songs. 

Worship Pastor – Scottsdale Bible Church (Cactus Campus) | Phoenix, AZ 

Serve as the primary worship leader at one of SBC’s thriving campuses. You’ll shape dynamic weekend services, integrate creative elements, and build a strong team culture in one of Arizona’s most established multisite churches.

Proverbs 2:6-8

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