Taking Ownership - A Shepherd But Never a Sheep

​We are on the precipice of one of the greatest wonders ever to be on the face of this earth.  The rise of the Church in Jesus Christ. The excitement in this adventure will surpass all our  imaginations and supersede even the most  incredible experiences from Creation till now. To enter this realm  one must have permission. Without meeting the qualifications this new dimension could be life threatening. Can oil mix with water or darkness survive in light? ​

Many chose the empty solace of a religion that does not lead to change. Many follow powerful charismatic leaders who with tremendous persuasive ability cause the people to vicariously ride in his shadow and build his vision.  This writing today is about such leaders. Many will see this as a criticism. It is not. In my experience of the last 46 years I have found, for the lack of another word, two institutions that taught a major error. First is post secondary higher religious education. Those with superior natural powers rise to the top being praised all the way by the denomination's leaders. The second is with the prophetic ministry.  I have been part of this vital ministry since the early 1980’s. Elitism with supernatural powers can wow people away from seeking more of the Love of the Father.
 
Both of these groups lead to destruction and major hurt among the people. I was taught at a very early age that I must be a sheep before I can lead. To be a sheep one must learn submission. When someone can make it on his own abilities, he or she can skirt around the process of submitting one to another. I was told in both camps, the bible college and the prophetic, that you do not get close to the people because it will cloud your ministry. Many leaders with PHD’S or gifts that would 'wow' anyone do not lead the people {sheep} . They drive them. The sheep know the Shepherd's voice but a shepherd who has never been shaped by growing in the midst of the family cannot know how to lead and their distortion will ultimately hurt those he expects to follow him.
 
The day of the super man or woman are coming to a close. New leaders forged in the fellowship of the saints will replace them. They will grow within the body and Spiritual mothers and fathers will raise them. They will not be hirelings but leaders who serve. They learned that the gifts are just tools to build up the body in the Faith. I have found safety for myself and those who look to me in this statement.

​        I AM FIRST GOD’S SON THEN A BROTHER AND THEN I HAVE GIFTS THAT HELP US ALL 

​This is my appeal to those who read this that are at the lonely pinnacle of institutional success and to those with a prophetic teaching that says you must stay aloof from the people.  Ask God for change and even personal repentance. There is still time before you come crashing down as so many are today. Acknowledge you have been bewitched by the false idea of success without brokenness. Leading without ever being led means this:  You have few friends and you only know to be in charge. You are part of an old boys/girls club. You take from people their praise but you have left them orphans. Your teaching or prophesying has not reached the heart of the people because God has not reached yours. I spoke in a few conferences and 'wowed' them but back in my hotel room I was lonely. Being a drug addict in the 60's, I knew full well the euphoria of the “rush.” I also new the coming down from the high. The similarity was uncanny. Finally, I came to the point that this was not what I signed up for nor did it help me in resisting sin. I put it all away and for years I sought only His Love. Eventually I went back into ministry preaching only the Love of the Father. To my surprise many people did not want to hear it. They wanted the miracles, the 'wow' factor of the supernatural or teachings that tickled their ears. 

​                    What have we produced? Are we ready for the upheavals to come?

The sheep know the Shepherd's voice. New shepherds are rising up from the mists of the flock. They know the way of the sheep and can lead them. It’s not too late to come down to the rest of us. Learn the wonderful art of friendship.  I hope to encourage you. I am being satisfied every day. I am a prophetic elder and I stand with a pastor who’s love for God and His people has created a wonderful and loving atmosphere. I have found that the folk in our church are absolutely beautiful. In all my years, I finally am part of a family that will never be broken. I speak not just an idea or theory.  I can say I experience it working. So can you.
 
                                         Love….Dan