Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Mandate Of Shepherding: A Socio-Rhetorical Analysis Of Shepherding Metaphor Scriptures And Phenomenological Study Of A New Shepherding Pastoral Leadership Model, Jeremy L. Pickwell

PhD in Organizational Leadership

Pastors are increasingly taking on a CEO style of leadership to lead their churches (Goodmanson, 2005; Maddox, 2012; Whitaker, 2013). Pastors have made this shift at the expense of a shepherd mindset, seemingly creating a dichotomy between styles (Tara, 2020; Whitaker, 2013). Consequently, scholars have identified an increasing trend in pastoral burnout (Fee, 2018; Hessel, 2015; Samushonga, 2021). The current study evaluated the pastoral role and its responsibility from a place of Scripture, while also considering popular current leadership trends. The findings revealed a clear shepherd metaphor arc throughout Scripture, beginning in Psalm 23 and ending in 1 Peter 5. …