There are a number of words that were used in the Old Slavonic language, but in the current usage they are not used at all. There are those who have transformed and began to sound different. The word "shepherd" refers to terms that are not used today as often as before.
Old meaning of the word
Previously, shepherds called ordinary shepherds who grazed herds of animals. In different countries, representatives of this profession were called differently, but their functions remained the same.
What was the responsibility of the shepherd? He should have known where to take his herd so that they had enough food, if the grass ended in one place, they drove the herd to more juicy pastures. Roaming with animals from place to place, the shepherd spent days and nights with them. Being among the herd for quite a long time, the shepherd even recognized them, gave them names.
The shepherds adapted to the rhythm of life of their wards, woke up with them and rested when they rest. We took care to find the safest places for them during the transition. We examined the area in advance for suitability for grazing and safety.
Every day with a herd
The worker took all measures to prevent the disease of animals, treated wounds. Not for nothing that the word "shepherd" began to be used in our time in a different interpretation. All responsibility for feeding, caring, drinking, protecting completely rested with the shepherd. He looked both at adults, and at kids, at old and sick. It was necessary to know the specifics and needs of each animal, but they also knew his voice and listened to him.
What about today?
The analogy with the shepherd began to be used in the religious sphere. The meaning of the word "shepherd" has acquired other shades. The words presbyter, bishop or elder became synonyms. But the mission of these people remained the same as that of the shepherds of those times. They must take care that their flocks are spiritually well-fed, they must protect their sheep from danger with prayers and instructions. Mentally be with them day and night and be ready to heal their spiritual wounds. This is a kind of dedication, because the shepherd who lived with the herd did not have his personal life, and his interests were not in the first place.
Religious Pastoralism
The New Testament church was led by the apostles, who later became known as elders, the word "shepherd" is also relevant in this area. In Latin, the word means "to feed", "to feed." The biblical shepherd is also called to shepherd his flock, which is entrusted to him. Jesus said about himself that He is a true shepherd, good, who even puts his life for the sheep. (John 10:11).
When the psalmist David spoke of the Lord as his shepherd, he claimed that he would not need anything with him (Psalm 22: 1). And going to the cross of Calvary, Jesus commanded one of the disciples to “feed my sheep,” that is, do not leave them, but continue to take care, as I did.
Today, the word "shepherd" can be heard only in relation to priests. Today, it is their responsibility to monitor the spiritual health of their flock. To consider controversial life issues of church members, to teach spiritual truths, to be guardians of the church that God has entrusted to them, to look after the herd.
You need to understand that even with such a high calling - to feed the human souls, shepherds are just people who themselves have their own problems and human weaknesses. On the Internet you can find a photo of a shepherd, who at the pulpit with a Bible in his hands teaches his flock, and everyone reverently listens to him. In fact, different people attend the church, and working with them is not easy. You need to be a real psychologist in order to have the wisdom to answer the requests of each of them.
Shepherding is considered a vocation, although there are ministers who are officially arranged in their parish as at work. But, without a vocation and love for people, it is impossible to occupy this post. Even when a pastor by age departs from the ministry, this title is not withdrawn from him. The flock can replace the shepherd with his decision if his life does not correspond to the holy truths of the Bible.