Gentle Shepherds
In 1976, everything changed for my family.
My parents were born again in a small church in Hampton, Georgia. It was a brand-new work filled with passion and potential. The people were excited, and they quickly took my parents under their wing. They discipled them with love and care. Because of that church and its people, our family was forever changed for Christ.
The pastor of that church was Dr. Marlon Thomas. He was energetic, serious about his calling, and fiercely committed to building something for God. He led the church boldly, launched an outstanding missions program, and started a Christian school that became “the thing” in the 80s.
He was bold. He was dogmatic. He was unwavering in his call, his cause, and his convictions.
But he was never mean.
He was a gentle shepherd.
Gentle Shepherds on a Mission
As my dad answered God’s call to preach and became a missionary, I found myself in rooms and at dinner tables with some of the finest mission-minded men I’ve ever known.
Men like Thurmond Wade and George Trask—focused, zealous, and absolutely clear about the urgency of the Great Commission. They talked about how to get missionaries into remote areas and how to raise the funds to send them. They were men of conviction.
But they weren’t harsh. They were kind. They were humble.
They were gentle shepherds.
The Preachers I Grew Up Watching
My adolescent years were shaped by the voices that graced our church’s pulpit during revivals and conferences. Preachers like Billy Kelly, Hinkle Little, Tom Hayes, and Edgar Thomas.
Bro. Billy could make a whole congregation laugh, shouting from the piano, “Can you see me?” But when he preached, it landed deep because it came from a heart that truly loved people.
Bro. Edgar was a hard preacher—gravelly voice, in-your-face truths, and sermons that got all over us.
But his words were laced with tears. And his heart was soft.
They were all different in style—no copycats, no ego trips. Just trench coats, modest cars, and grateful hearts.
They weren’t mean. They were gentle shepherds.
I heard their conversations with my dad. I remember them well.
They never grumbled. They didn’t gossip. They didn’t tear down others.
They ministered with grace. They were gentle shepherds.
Youth Pastors Who Held the Line—Gently
In my teen and young adult years, I was blessed with youth pastors like Dean Oliver, Alan Montgomery, and Gary Satterfield. Let me be honest—we pushed their patience. We tested the limits. But they held the line.
We knew the standard. We knew the expectations.
We knew the dress code.
And yet—they loved us. They led us. They corrected us.
But they never crushed us. They were gentle shepherds.
A Moment with Dr. Roberson
Years into ministry, I had the privilege of picking up Dr. Lee Roberson from his hotel and bringing him to our church. He was laser-focused on the upcoming service. Serious and intentional. But as we spoke, I was struck by how gracious he was.
No edge. No arrogance. Just quiet strength.
He was a gentle shepherd.
What Happened?
Now, at 50, having been in ministry most of my life, I’ve seen a change. And I’m not talking about preferences or standards—those things come and go.
I’m talking about attitude.
I’ve known harmony among the brethren. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it. But today… things feel different.
A Different Kind of Minister
A few years back, I was driving an evangelist to the airport. Along the way, he told an off-color joke, adding, “I know you can take it.” He followed it with condescending remarks about other pastors—men he didn’t know I respected. His spirit was ugly. His words were bitter.
He wasn’t bold.
He was mean. Not a gentle shepherd.
Another time, I was tasked with welcoming a guest preacher. I was excited to learn from him. At the dinner table, I asked a few ministry-related questions, eager to glean from his experience.
His response?
“Son, I’m sure you were asked to do this, but it’s supper time. Let’s just eat the spaghetti.”
I’ll never forget how small he made me feel.
He wasn’t gracious. He wasn’t kind. He wasn’t a gentle shepherd.
The Generation Watching from the Porch
Not long ago, I sat on my porch with a group of young people from my church. Someone asked about a well-known pastor, and soon phones were out, searching for updates. The story they found was sad—one pastor publicly humiliated another over a disagreement. No grace. No effort to restore. Just public shame.
One young person said, “That was really mean-spirited.”
Another added, “That’s why so many of us are leaving. It’s not about the music or the dress code—it’s the attitude we see every week.”
And honestly… how could I disagree?
They’re not looking for cool. They’re looking for real. For love. For gentle shepherds.
If Ministry Has Made You Mean…
Let me speak from the heart.
If you’ve lost your love for people…
If you can’t minister with joy anymore…
If your presence drives the sheep away instead of drawing them in…
Maybe it’s time to step back. Maybe it’s time to repent. Maybe it’s time to become a gentle shepherd again.
If your heart has grown bitter, ask God to soften it. Take a sabbatical. Get counsel.
But please—don’t stay in the pulpit until your heart is sweet again.
If you can’t be gentle, go be mean somewhere else.
It’s Not About the Shirt or the Songbook
This isn’t about white shirts or hymnbooks or schedules.
It’s about spirit.
It’s about attitude.
If you prefer a shirt and tie—wear it. But don’t be mean to those who don’t.
If your church sings from a hymnbook—sing strong. But don’t mock those who use screens.
If your schedule is working—praise God. But don’t belittle someone who adjusted theirs.
Let’s stop being mean.
Let’s return to the example of Christ.
Let’s be known for our love.
The Secret to Reaching the Next Generation?
Maybe it’s not as complicated as we think.
Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
(John 13:35)
That’s what this generation is looking for.
Truth with grace.
Conviction with compassion.
Strength with kindness.
They’re not looking for celebrities. They’re looking for gentle shepherds.
Let’s be good stewards of the sheep God has entrusted to us.
Let’s preach the truth.
Let’s stand strong.
But above all—
Let’s be gentle shepherds.
