"Safe Passage"

 "But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep." (John 10:2 KJV)

  "Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit." (Hebrews 13:17 NLT)

 Just so you know, this shepherd that Jesus is speaking of has more than one meaning, as a pastor of a church is also referred to as a shepherd of a flock. Regardless, we have One main Shepherd, which is Jesus Christ, as it is Him only that we must follow, but the role of a pastor is that of an underling shepherd, who has been given the task of feeding His sheep! 

 There are so many variations of churches out there, too many, if you ask me. If the pastor of a specific church is following Jesus, then it is safe to say, he is able to shepherd a flock, regardless of how he might teach. I know that goes against some of the things I feel are important, like teaching the Bible; but the most important thing in any church is that Jesus Christ is the main event!

 I have visited churches where the congregation is given tools, like Bible Study Workbooks, where all are participants, including the pastor; that way the Word is taught, and messages are summaries of current lessons, with life applications. As with any real church, if it going to be following the way of Christ, the word of God must be shared, one way or another. 

 The title, "safe passage," is meant for each, the pastor and the congregation, as all are in the same boat! That is the message from Hebrews 13:17, as we must, by all means, pray for and stand by those that are our spiritual leaders, for their benefit, as well as for ourselves. 

 I can only say, it is a lot like a marriage, where the husband and wife must respect one another and be as one; if one might disrespect the other, then it will ruin the one that disrespects, more than the one that is disrespected. Safe Passage is really about being free from guilt...

"Now may the God of peace - who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood - may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21 NLT)