[hosepipe]

[ When you think of “the Church” what do you think of? People regenerated in Christ scattered across all different (man-made) denominations? ]

Actially according to John ch10, the FLOCK are those that come OUT of the Sheep Pens..and follow the shepards voice.. The Sheep in the Sheep pens are indeed sheep by not of the flock.. The flock follows the shepard.. but they are still sheep.. Why the pens?.. Probably to keep the bleating down.. the sheep in the pens "feel" safe (when they are not) but they feel safe.. Works for me.. The Holy Spirit is obviously no dummy..

[Claud]

Hmmmm. I don’t see pens mentioned anywhere in John 10 actually. There’s one pen with a gate on it Our Lord is leading people out of.

I’m not sure your analogy holds.