I used to think peanuts in shells looked the same, until one of my professors gave each student in the class a single peanut. We were told to examine the peanut then place it back in the bowl. To my surprise each of us were able to identify and select out our original peanut when the bowl was passed a second time.
Whether we belong to a group of thousands or a group of twenty, we need to know our leaders (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
If we belong to a local church with memberships in the thousands, it is a physical impossibility for the lead pastor to know everyone. Usually the mega churches have smaller group bible studies or gatherings that provide opportunity for getting to know one another. The leaders of these smaller groups that have been chosen by the church Board and senior pastor serve as under-shepherds. These men and women we need to know on a personal basis.
If we live in a country where the Christians must worship in secret, we have much in common with the churches to whom Paul wrote his letters. The believers in those hidden congregations have a much deeper understanding of the need to know their pastors. Their lives may depend on it.
