“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3)
Eternal life is not a thing; it is a relationship. The Shepherd’s number one concern is that we are enabled to enter into relationship with the Trinity. And once we have, it is his desire for that relationship to grow and flourish.
Partnering with him as under-shepherds requires that we share the same goals, the same desires. We do not shepherd so that the sheep can be more productive. Productivity, in whatever form the Shepherd deems appropriate, will be the result of a growing relationship.
All that we do in serving the flock should foster eternal life.