Shepherds and Heralds Don’t Have to Be Enemies

In Scripture, we see two distinct but complementary roles: the shepherd, who cares for the flock, and the herald, who proclaims the message.

In the life of the local church, these two roles often appear in the form of the Lead Pastor (the shepherd) and the Worship Leader (the herald). One tends the sheep with teaching, counsel, and care. The other lifts the voice of the people in song, proclaiming the truth of God in ways that can move heart and soul.

And yet, let’s be honest: there’s often unspoken tension between the two.

It isn’t because one cares and the other doesn’t. In fact, it’s the opposite. Both roles feel a deep, God-given burden for the spiritual health of the people. The pastor aches to see the flock grounded in truth and protected from harm. The worship leader longs to see hearts awakened in awe and drawn into intimacy with God.

The frustration comes when each feels the other doesn’t “get it.” The shepherd wonders if the herald is building something solid or just stirring emotions. The herald wonders if the shepherd understands how atmosphere and beauty can open the heart. Both love the people. Both are carrying them. Both sometimes talk past one another.

But here’s the good news: shepherds and heralds don’t have to be enemies. In fact, when they learn to walk together, the church is nourished in ways that neither role could provide alone.

So how do we bridge the gap? Here are five practical ways…

1. Pray for one another regularly.

It’s hard to resent someone you’re lifting before the throne of grace. Pray not only for their role, but for their family, their soul, and their burdens.

2. Clarify shared goals.

Is the goal of worship just good music? Is the goal of preaching just information? Or is the deeper goal that people are formed into Christlikeness? Clarify what you’re both aiming at together.

3. Communicate early and often.

Don’t let Sunday morning be the first time you’re talking about service flow. Share drafts, bounce ideas, and check the heartbeat of the week together.

4. Celebrate each other’s wins.

Acknowledge when a sermon brings breakthrough. Celebrate when a worship set unlocks deep prayer. Mutual encouragement fuels mutual trust.

5. Consider a structured dialogue.

Sometimes tension runs deeper than schedules and styles. When that’s the case, a guided process can help. The Shepherds & Heralds Kit from The Doxology Co is a four-week journey of guided discussion and shared devotionals designed to help pastors and worship leaders get back on the same page about the big issues shaping their church.

Because the truth is: the church needs both shepherds and heralds. And when they work together, the people are both cared for and called higher.