Feed the Sheep, Not Entertain the Goats

I just got back from some time away on vacation. It was more than rest for my body, it was a reset for my heart. I slowed down, reflected on life and ministry, and asked God to search me and remind me why I do what I do.

Right before that, Nan and I attended the Alpha Conference for leaders and pastors, and it stirred something deep in us. Sitting in sessions, worshiping with other believers, and listening to pastors from around the world, I was reminded of the simplicity and power of the gospel. It hit me hard: the Church doesn’t need to be a show. It needs to be a shepherd.

I thought about how easy it is for churches, mine included, to get caught up in the wrong mission. We can chase after lights, programs, and strategies that entertain rather than transform. We can start worrying more about keeping goats happy than feeding the sheep that God has entrusted to us.

But Jesus never told us to entertain the goats. He told us to feed the sheep.
When He restored Peter after the resurrection, He didn’t hand him a marketing plan or a list of crowd-pleasing ideas. He said, “‘Shepherd My sheep’” (John 21:17, LSB).

That’s it. That’s the mission. Feed them truth. Lead them in faith. Protect them from wolves.
As I sat in those moments of reflection, I had to ask myself hard questions:


Vacation gave me rest, and Alpha gave me perspective. Our world does not need more Christian entertainment. It needs evangelism and discipleship, equal parts. It needs people whose faith can survive suffering, who know how to pray, who can share the gospel with their neighbor, and who aren’t swayed by every new trend. Entertainment fades. Hype dies. But the Word of God endures forever.

So as I step back into ministry after this time away, I am renewed in my calling. I am here to feed the sheep God has entrusted to me, not chase after the goats that come and go. I want our church to be a place where people grow, not just a place where people clap. A place where the Word, prayer and sanctification is enough, because Jesus is enough.

Here’s My Challenge to Our Church:
If you call Ignite Church your home, I want you to ask yourself this:
Am I here to be entertained, or am I here to grow?

Sheep come hungry for the Word. Sheep follow the voice of the Shepherd. Sheep serve, sacrifice, and seek the kingdom first. But goats come for what they can get, and they leave when it is no longer exciting.

Church, I’m asking you to commit to being a sheep who eats well and grows strong. Come hungry for the Word. Come ready to worship. Come willing to serve. Come eager to share the gospel. Don’t just sit in a seat; take up your role in the flock.

Because when we, as the sheep of His pasture, are fed and healthy, we will multiply. And that is when the mission of Jesus will move forward in power.

Because the Church’s job is not to entertain goats, it is to feed the sheep.
In Love,

Pastor Jody