Church leaders are one or the other. The Scriptures are clear, the sheep belong to the Good Shepherd, Jesus. Those who serve churches are simply undershepherds. As such, we will give account to the Lord as to how we served His flock.
So, what is a hireling? “A labourer employed on hire for a limited time. His wages were paid as soon as his work was over.” (Easton’s Bible Dictionary)
“In the New Testament the word “hireling” (misthotos) occurs only in John 10:12, where his neglect of the sheep is contrasted unfavorably with the care and courage of the shepherd who owns the sheep, who leads them to pasture and lays down his life for their protection from danger and death.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
I have witnessed the behaviors and characteristics of both shepherds and hirelings, and have developed this simple summary:
Pastors love the flock; hirelings love attention.
Pastors serve the flock; hirelings use the flock for their own selfish gain.
Pastors pray for the flock; hirelings prey upon the flock.
Pastors promote the flock; hirelings promote themselves.
Pastors sacrifice for the flock; hirelings steal from the flock.
Pastors build up the flock; hirelings build their brand.
Pastors invest themselves into the flock; hirelings use the flock for the own benefit.
Pastors defend the flock; hirelings demand of the flock.
Pastors are thankful for their flock; hirelings take advantage of the flock.
Pastors protect the flock; hirelings manipulate the flock.
John 10:11-12 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.
Thoughts on Life and Leading 
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