Leaders Devotion 9: Be Close to the Herd

The writer of Proverbs said, "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds" (Proverbs 27:23). 

While  he was writing to actual shepherds, the admonition is also applicable  to spiritual shepherds. You are to know your flock: who they are, what  gifts they have, what motivates them, and what the Lord is saying to  them. This doesn't mean you must know everyone by name but you must set  up a system of care where someone knows their name, hears their heart,  and can share with you what the Lord is directing them to do.

Your  work as a spiritual leader cannot be done from the pulpit or carried  out on Sundays only. It must be a concerted effort to serve the people  by empowering them with the power God has given you to care for their  needs and encourage their growth. 

What plan do you have in place  to help you hear from "your flock"? Are you interested? Do you use  technology and social media to do so? Who can you enlist to help you  know the condition of your flock?