The Good Shepherd Characteristics:

1. The Good Shepherd has a reputation in the whole land for wisdom and exquisitely expert care of his/her flock.  

2. Knows their sheep and the sheep know their voice.

3. Know how to nourish Body/Heart/Mind/Soul.

4. Takes people to places where they can lie down and rest safely (Sabbath).

5. Knows where to find spiritual living water.

6. Restores the soul: Goes to rescue at great cost. Sees a traumatized brain and understands how to reintegrate, grieve and forgive. Which restores the ability to love in community. 

7. For God’s glory, not humanity’s.

8. Goes through a scary place with hope and abundance as opposed to fear.

9. Shepherds have tools (God’s word, wisdom, love) to guide and protect from theives, robbers, bad shepherds, and bad sheep. 

10. Acts as both mother and father.

11. Treats lost sheep like royalty (spiritually).

12. Brings God’s Kingdom with them. 

(Adapted from Kenneth E Bailey’s The Good Shepherd 2014)