The work of the Holy Spirit is an awesome mystery for us. Because of the way these spiritual gifts are given to us and manifested in individuals, it is better to provide a description rather than a narrow, one-size-fits-all definition. Like the spiritual gifts assessment, these descriptions are not definitive but paint a beautiful tapestry of the Holy Spirit at work in God’s people.
SHEPHERDING:
The spiritual gift that gives the receiver the confidence, capability and compassion to provide spiritual leadership and direction for individuals or groups of believers.
People with this gift are usually: discipling, supportive, protective, relational, influencing, guiding, and nurturing.
Cautions for people with this gift: passing judgment when they feel others are neglecting or abusing their responsibilities; finding it difficult to say “no” because of the desire to support others.
Biblical references: 1 Timothy 3:1–13, 2 Timothy 4:1–2, 1 Timothy 4:12–16
Adapted from Gifts for You: Opening Your Spiritual Gifts and used here with permission. Copyright © 2011 Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Written by Valora K Starr. www.womenoftheelca.org/filebin/pdf/resources/SpiritualGifts.pdf