========================================================================
  THE RIGORS OF SHEPHERDING
  by A.W. Tozer
========================================================================

Summary: The shepherd of souls faces unique challenges in balancing
encouragement and warning, and must be sensitive to the diverse needs of
his congregation.

Topics: "Spiritual Growth", "Shepherding"
Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Hebrews 10:24

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A.W. Tozer discusses the complexities of shepherding souls, emphasizing
the challenges faced by a pastor who must balance encouragement for the
timid with warnings for the self-confident. He highlights the difficulty
of addressing a diverse congregation, where individuals are at various
stages of spiritual development, from new believers to seasoned
Christians. This dynamic can lead to unintended consequences, where
encouragement may embolden the careless, while warnings may discourage
the fearful. Tozer underscores the need for wisdom and discernment in
shepherding, as the pastor navigates these contrasting needs within the
church.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Because we are the kind of persons we are and because we live in a world
such as we do, the shepherd of souls is often forced to work at what
would appear to be cross purposes with himself. For instance, he must
encourage the timid and warn the self-confident; and these may at any
given time be present in his congregation in almost equal numbers. His
effort to encourage those who need encouragement may actually confirm
presumptuous souls in their carelessness.

Conversely, his much needed warnings and reproofs may drive timorous and
doubting Christians to the borders of despair.

Another problem he faces is the presence in the normal Christian
assembly of believers in every stage of development, from the newly
converted who knows almost nothing about the Christian life to the wise
and experienced Christian who seems to know almost everything.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/the-rigors-of-shepherding/
========================================================================