In the hills of Bethlehem, a young shepherd named David tended his father’s sheep. It may not have been the job he would have chosen for himself, long hours, isolation, and the constant threat of predators—but it was the role he was given. Commissioned by his father Jesse, David accepted his assignment with humility and diligence. In doing so, he revealed something powerful about leadership and care that still speaks to us today: a true shepherd knows his sheep, and his sheep know his voice.

David wasn’t just a caretaker; he was a guardian and a servant. Scripture paints a picture of a young man whose heart was fully engaged in the task before him. When one sheep strayed, David didn’t shrug it off as a minor loss, he went after it. He left the ninety-nine to rescue the one. That relentless pursuit reflects the very heart of God, who values every individual soul and never stops calling us home.

Imagine the moment when that lost sheep, frightened and alone, heard the familiar voice of its shepherd echo across the hillside. It wasn’t the voice of a stranger, it was the voice it trusted. The sheep recognized David’s call and followed it back to safety. That image beautifully captures the kind of connection every leader, pastor, and teacher should seek to build with those they lead.

But shepherding also teaches us something profound about how a leader leads.
A bad shepherd leads from behind, pushing and driving the sheep with pressure and fear. But a good shepherd leads from the front, guiding the flock with confidence, clarity, and presence. When the shepherd is in front, the sheep move forward not because they are forced to, but because they trust the one who is leading them.

And in ancient shepherding culture, young or inexperienced shepherds didn’t learn their role by textbooks or trial and error. A young apprentice shepherd would stay close to the seasoned shepherd, walking beside him day after day. The sheep would see the apprentice right next to the trusted shepherd and, over time, would come to recognize him as well. His authority didn’t come from a title or position, it came from proximity.
The same is true in ministry and leadership. Those who aspire to shepherd others well must spend time near those who already do. The flock learns to trust emerging leaders when they first see them walking in step with those they already know and follow.

As a former kids pastor, I’ve come to see how vital this principle is to ministry. Children, much like sheep, respond not only to what we say but to how well they know us. They listen to voices that are consistent, caring, and familiar. Developing that level of trust takes time, intentionality, and heart. It means showing up, staying engaged, and investing deeply in the lives of those God has placed under your care, and for new leaders, it means staying close enough to seasoned shepherds that children can see they are part of the same trusted team.

There’s another layer of shepherding that’s often overlooked. In ancient times, shepherds used oil to care for their sheep in a practical, protective way. During certain seasons, insects and parasites would attack a sheep’s head and burrow near its eyes and ears, causing irritation, infection, and even death. To protect them, the shepherd would pour oil over the sheep’s head, soothing their wounds and keeping pests away. This simple act of care not only protected the sheep’s health, it also brought them peace.

Spiritually speaking, this picture holds deep significance for anyone called to shepherd others, especially children and families. The “oil” represents the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit, God’s healing and protective covering. When we take time to pray over our children, encourage their families, and create environments filled with God’s peace, we’re applying spiritual “oil.” We’re helping shield them from the distractions, lies, and “bugs” of this world that seek to cause harm or confusion.

Being a shepherd isn’t glamorous. It requires patience, vigilance, and compassion. It means standing between your flock and the forces that would harm them—whether those threats come in the form of spiritual distraction, discouragement, or doubt. But when your flock knows your voice, when they can sense your love and your faithfulness—they will follow you to safety and growth.

This December 19th, 2025, the animated movie David hits the big screen, offering a vivid and inspiring look at the young shepherd who would one day become Israel’s greatest king. It’s a story of courage, faith, and obedience, a reminder of what it means to lean into the assignments God gives us, even when they seem small or unseen.

As ministry leaders, parents, or mentors, we’re all shepherds in one way or another. We’re called to care for those entrusted to us, to know them by name, and to make our voices familiar and life-giving. And, like the apprentice shepherd, we are also called to learn from those ahead of us, so that in time, others may come to recognize our voice as well.

May we, like David, embrace our calling with humility and persistence.
May we lead from the front, not from behind.
May we walk beside seasoned shepherds as we grow.
May we continually anoint our flock with the oil of prayer, encouragement, and the Spirit’s presence. And may our “sheep” always recognize our voice, a voice that leads them safely home.

David Almgren – Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast

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