There is a middle eastern custom called "A Bellwether". It is derived from shepherds who used to put a bell on the castrated goat of a flock so that the sheep would follow that goat. Because of the bellwhether sheep, the shepherd could know where the flock was based upon the noise the bell made.
Similarly, in leadership, there is a bellwhether who is central to the movement of a corporation, team, family, or church. Someone who "rings the bell" or creates movement. Trend starters in culture are seen as people who are bellwhethers. They influence the trend and give the direction that a culture is tending.
I believe that this concept relates to the pastoral calling in two ways: First, we have been called to lead. To lead our people and the city in the salvation of the Lord. And second, we must be willing to stretch ourselves and be the avant-guarde creating movement and momentum for the kingdom of God. To make a 'sound' for Christ that is distinguishable from all others present in our day.
Similarly, in leadership, there is a bellwhether who is central to the movement of a corporation, team, family, or church. Someone who "rings the bell" or creates movement. Trend starters in culture are seen as people who are bellwhethers. They influence the trend and give the direction that a culture is tending.
I believe that this concept relates to the pastoral calling in two ways: First, we have been called to lead. To lead our people and the city in the salvation of the Lord. And second, we must be willing to stretch ourselves and be the avant-guarde creating movement and momentum for the kingdom of God. To make a 'sound' for Christ that is distinguishable from all others present in our day.
John 10:5, "And a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him: for they do not know the voice of the stranger."
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