Unity in Our CommunitySample

A Good Shepherd

“Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’” —John 21:15

Rev. Dr. Frederick Sampson Jr. embraced everyone he met with a heartwarming smile and uplifting words. He long served Detroit’s historic Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.

My pastor was known throughout the National Baptist Convention denomination and beyond as an exemplary orator, but he was more so known for his love of people. Like a good shepherd, he gently guided his members toward transforming their lives to be more like Jesus. “Doc,” as many called him, didn’t hesitate to preach about racism and the injustices experienced by our communities.

In John 21:15-17, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” This question signifies the importance of love as a qualification for shepherding God’s people. The shepherd must love Jesus in order to love His sheep. Pastors who address and care for their community’s needs exemplify that love for Jesus means caring about and providing justice for people.

From slavery times to present day, pastors, men and women, have shepherded our communities toward freedom. They raised our consciousness toward social justice, education, economic growth, and the civic needs of the people. Through spiritual and social leadership, pastors continue to fulfill Jesus’ commission to feed and care for people.

Roslyn Yilpet

How can you pray for and serve alongside pastors today? Which leader in your community could you send a note of appreciation this week?

Thank You, Father, for pastors and church leaders, past and present, who lovingly shepherd their sheep.