This sermon is # 2 of a two-part series on authority/submission—one helps to understand the other. What is the biblical perspective on exercising authority? A shepherd is the primary biblical metaphor for any good leader, so we all should be learning to be good shepherds in this life and in the next life. Many of the founding principles of United Church of God, including “servant-leadership,” are based on the model of a shepherd. From Psalm 23, we can learn several important lessons about the responsibilities of a good shepherd. Among other things, he provides good nourishment and other needs of the flock, he protects them from predators and pests and even other (bullying) sheep, and “restores” them with his efforts to heal, comfort and encourage.

Don Hooser

United Church of God Pastor

Don Hooser is a minister for the United Church of God. He and his wife Judy live in his home in McKinney, Texas, during the winter months and in her home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, during the summer months. His wife Elsie died in August 2020 and he married Judy on January 1, 2022.  Mr. Hooser graduated in 1963 from Southern Methodist University with a degree in mechanical engineering, and graduated in 1966 from Ambassador College, Big Sandy, Texas.  For most of the time since then he served as a church pastor.