“The Lord is my shepherd” can sound trite if you’ve been trampled on by someone who calls themselves a shepherd but prefers to stand on a bright stage. Most of the people I know who have deconstructed their faith or find themselves questioning whether they still belong in God’s flock (or even just the flock of evangelicalism) are disillusioned with shepherds who do not actually shepherd. People say we’re tearing down the church. I think we’re tearing down the stages. There are many reasons Scripture speaks of those who are responsible for the care of souls as shepherds, especially because
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