Letters to the Church by Francis Chan
Week 6: Chapter 5 — "Good Shepherd"
Read Chapter 5 of Letters to the Church. Primary passages: John 10:1–18; 1 Peter 5:1–4; Ezekiel 34:1–10.
Previewing Week 6 of Letters to the Church
Read 3 of 8 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 11-week guide when you’re ready.
Chan shifts his attention to church leaders in this chapter, holding up the Good Shepherd as the only true model for pastoral ministry. Whether you are a leader or a member, these questions are for you — because every follower of Jesus has a stake in the health of his or her shepherds.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.Chan opens with the Ezekiel 34 passage, where God pronounces judgment on Israel's shepherds for feeding themselves rather than the flock. What specific failures does God identify in that passage, and how does Chan argue those same failures appear in contemporary church leadership?
2.Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep by name, lays down His life for them, and refuses to flee when danger comes. What does it look like for a human pastor to model each of those qualities — knowing, sacrifice, and courage?
3.Chan is candid about the temptations that come with pastoral success: the pull toward platform, audience size, and brand-building. Have you observed these temptations in church leaders you have known? How did their response to those temptations affect the health of the community they led?
a.What structures or accountability measures might help protect leaders from these temptations?
b.What is your responsibility as a church member to pray for and support your leaders in resisting them?