Brought Near by Grace: United as One Family in Christ
Testimony by Shiela M Macias
When I was first challenged to become a shepherd, I was uncertain if I would be a good one or if I was even capable of leading others. I doubted whether I had the knowledge, confidence, and ability to guide people in their faith journeys. At that time, I thought being a shepherd simply meant forming a group, meeting on scheduled dates, and studying the Bible together. Because of these doubts, it took me some time before I finally accepted the invitation and stepped out in faith, trusting not in my own abilities but in what God could do in and through me.
As I embraced the call, I knew that I wanted to be equipped and prepared. Looking back, I realized that God had already given me a beautiful picture of what it means to be brought near and welcomed into His family. More than ten years ago, I was blessed to be part of a group of young moms. Through that group, I experienced what it meant to be accepted, valued, and loved. They celebrated my victories, supported me through difficult seasons, and encouraged me in my walk with the Lord. I came to understand that God often uses people to show us His grace—that He brings us near, connects us with others, and reminds us that we do not have to walk our faith journey alone.
This became even clearer to me during our School of Shepherds training. I learned that shepherding is not simply about leading a Bible study or facilitating meetings. It is about building relationships, loving people where they are, and walking alongside them as they grow in their relationship with God. It is about creating a space where people can experience the grace of Christ and discover that, because of Him, we are no longer strangers or outsiders, but part of one family.
Ephesians 2:13 reminds us that we who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. And through Christ, the barriers that separate us are broken down, making us one. This reminds me that being a shepherd is not about being above others or having all the answers. It is about walking together as one family, united by the same grace, the same Lord, and the same hope in Christ.
As I prepare to become a shepherd, my prayer is that God will help me faithfully love, guide, and serve the people He entrusts to me. I pray that our group will become a place where each person feels welcomed, accepted, and loved—a place where we can grow together in our relationship with Christ and experience His grace in our daily lives.
I look forward to walking alongside them through every season, encouraging one another, learning from one another, and growing together in faith. More than simply leading a group, I pray that God will use me to help build a united family—one that is brought near by grace, rooted in Christ, and growing together in His love.
