A pastor is a shepherd, and a shepherd/pastor spends time with his sheep, reassuring them with his voice and lending them a sympathetic ear while carrying them when they are weak, sick, in danger, or hurt. What's great about being a shepherd is that shepherds get to be good listeners. They may be talking to the sheep, but most sheep know they can just hang out with the shepherd without getting a lecture. That's a super great way for us to minister to the sheep that we've been entrusted with. Sit down and listen to people. Having your assigned sheep know you can be a listening ear without judgment is such a great gift. Practice being a shepherd today in the lives of those you work with by listening, and see how your relationship grows in trust and love.