My problem with this statement is that it disrespects people made in God’s image and redeemed by God’s Son. It is a mocking of the church and an exaltation of self. The church isn’t stupid. Sinful, yes. Stupid, no. Speaking of the church in this way will get a chuckle from some leaders (who aren’t already bored by the worn-out expression), but will create distance between leadership and those pastors are called to lead.

Pastors sometimes say stupid things. Sometimes those stupid things are catchy and wind up being repeated by many other pastors. One of the more preposterous pithy statements I have heard many preachers say is, “Sheep are dumb.” They say this as shepherds and are referring to the sheep of the church—the congregation. The idea is that sheep are dumb, and must be led well. We shouldn’t be surprised when they do stupid things.

My problem with this statement is that it disrespects people made in God’s image and redeemed by God’s Son. It is a mocking of the church and an exaltation of self. The church isn’t stupid. Sinful, yes. Stupid, no. Speaking of the church in this way will get a chuckle from some leaders (who aren’t already bored by the worn-out expression), but will create distance between leadership and those pastors are called to lead.

The sheep are not dumb. In fact, we would do much better if we thought of the sheep in the way in which the Puritan, Thomas Watson, described them in his sermon, “The Good Shepherd.”

Sheep are Innocent.

Sheep are not harmful creatures, but harmless and peaceful. Christians are, by their new nature, peaceful and peacemakers. Watson said, “They would rather suffer wrong—than do wrong. Those who are set upon mischief, are not Christ’s sheep but are ravenous birds of prey.”

Sheep are Meek

Sheep are meek creatures who know their place and willingly submit. They “let the shearer take its wool, it does not resist. If you strike a sheep, it does not snarl or fly in your face. All Christ’s sheep are meek-spirited, 2 Samuel 16:12. Though a child of God may sometimes fall into a froward fit—yet he grieves for it and weeps for his unmortified passion.”

Sheep Are Clean

Sheep look for clean, green pastures and search out clean water. And Christ’s sheep have been made clean—they are justified and sanctified. “Though they are not perfectly holy—yet they are perfecting holiness in the fear of God. …they will suffer anything rather than defile their conscience. a good Christian breathes after sanctity. A child of God may fall into sin unawares, as did David—but he does not lie in sin. He recovers himself again by repentance. A sheep may fall into the mire—but it does not lie there; it gets out again.”

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