09/23/2026
One of the quickest ways to become offended with your shepherd is to misunderstand what kind of relationship you actually have with them.
A shepherd will generally lead four groups of people:
1. THE MASSES - these receive ministry.
Jesus taught multitudes He did not disciple. The masses receive the Word, revelation, healing, encouragement, and the public expression of the leader’s grace.
2. MEMBERS/PARTNERS - these receive covering and care.
These are people who are committed to and have covenant with the local house. The shepherd feeds them, protect their spiritual health, provides pastoral care, and equip them for the work of ministry.
3. DISCIPLES - These receive personal (not necessarily individual) development
Disciples want more than a sermon; they submit themselves to formation. They receive instruction, correction, accountability, training, and show up for opportunities to grow.
4. SONS & DAUGHTERS - They receive impartation and inheritance.
This relationship is deeper than church attendance or proximity. Spiritual sons and daughters carry the heart, DNA, burden, and values of the house. They are not merely asking, “What can I receive from my spiritual father or mother?” They are asking, “What is my spiritual father or mother carrying that God has called me to help carry?” They ask “how do I actualize my personal call within the vision & mandate of my spiritual parent.” These are connected for life.
Offense begins when People demand the access of one group while demonstrating the commitment of another.
The masses cannot demand the access of disciples.
Members may recognize the intimacy of sons and daughters.
And proximity does not automatically equal relationship.
Even Jesus had distinctions.
There were multitudes. There were disciples.
There were the Twelve. And among the Twelve, there were Peter, James, and John.
Different proximity.
Different responsibility.
Different access.
Different assignment.
That isn’t favoritism.
That’s stewardship.
A healthy shepherd can love everybody without leading everybody the same way. And maturity is being able to honor someone else’s access without interpreting their proximity as your rejection.
