Advice to Spiritual Leaders
We arrived home from Atlanta this evening after a full day of travel. We were able to get Caedmon connected with his parents just in time to connect with our shuttle service back to Fort Collins. I think his siblings missed him the last five days he was gone. We ended our stay before the cousins began treating each other too much like siblings and still loving each other.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now I have something to say to the elders in your group. I also am an elder. I have seen Christ’s sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be shown to us. I beg you to shepherd God’s flock, for whom you are responsible.” 1 Peter 5:1,2 NCV
As Peter comes to the close of his first letter, he addresses elders who serve and are among the people. There are passages of scripture where we find qualifications for spiritual leaders and descriptions of spiritual gifts. But perhaps there is no other greater summary of the value, priorities and motivations required for spiritual leaders than what is found in these first four verses of 1 Peter 5.
My attention is drawn to some of the following observations.
1 – Peter approaches elders in humility. From the very beginning Peter shows his identification with other spiritual leaders. He does not refer to himself as an apostle, which he was. He does not refer to himself as being “chosen” for a special role, which he was. He simple says, “I also am an elder.”
He talks about his history, but also anticipates his own future in God’s will. He saw firsthand Christ’s suffering, and he knew the sufferings that he would face. The next thing I observe is the use of the word, “beg” in admonishing elders to their primary task. He doesn’t say “command” – which he could have, but instead pleads and implores these fellow elders in their role. By his approach Peter is letting elders know that humility must characterize their life.
2 – The call to Shepherd God’s flock. The only job description Peter gives elders is to “shepherd God’s flock.” That’s it – and then he reminds them this is their responsibility – and with responsibility comes accountability, because it is “God’s” flock.
When we think of the familiar Biblical role of a shepherd, all kinds of verses and images come to mind. This includes Psalm 23 as well as Jesus words in John 10. But what is interesting is the model for the shepherd of God’s flock comes from the Lord Himself. We see protection, care, concern and self-sacrifice all pictured in God’s “shepherding” role.
3 – The motivation for leaders. Next we see two statements that speak to the positive motivation of the shepherd set in contrast to a negative one. “Watch over them because you want to…Do it because you are happy to serve…” (1 Peter 5:2 NCV) Spiritual leadership is first and foremost a “calling” not a vocational choice. If that is not at the basis of your motivation, the tenure will be short and the damage will be great.
I recall the advice of Debbie’s parents when I told them I was going to enter full-time ministry. They said, “if you can do anything else, do it!” That advice was not to discourage as much as it was related to the second motivation Peter addresses, “because you are happy to serve.” It could also be viewed as “only do it because you will be miserable if you don’t.” There is joy and fulfillment in serving the Lord and being in His will.
These two positive motivations are set in contrast to two negative ones, “because you are forced to…because you want money.” No one should feel “pressure” to be in spiritual leadership by virtue of family history or the expectations of others. Also, a smile comes on anyone’s face, who is in ministry, when it comes to viewing ministry as a way to “make money.” When someone begins to view their efforts through thoughts of “how much more” they could be making doing something else; or how much they “gave up” – it is a recipe for ineffectiveness and resentment.
4 – Elders are to lead by example. Character and the approach to spiritual leadership counts. “Do not be like a ruler over people you are responsible for, but be good examples to them.” (1 Peter 5:3 NCV) The call to spiritual leadership is not “tell” and much as it is to “show.” There is the adage that says, “I would rather see a sermon, than hear one.” We certainly see the Biblical mandate for preaching and teaching of God’s Word, but it must be backed by an individual who journey’s with people who are following Christ. Paul put it well when he said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.“ (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)
5 – Eternity holds the reward. “…when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, comes, you will get a glorious crown that will never lose its beauty.“ (1 Peter 5:4 NCV) A shepherd works to please the “Chief Shepherd.” Elders are to serve and shepherd God’s flock anticipating the commendation, “well done good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23 NKJV)
It is interesting that Peter writes this in lieu of his comments on one occasion to Jesus, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” (Matthew 19:27 NLT) Jesus’ response included the words, “…everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29 NLT) What Peter found is when you look after God’s flock, God looks after you.
The challenging work of spiritual leadership is demanding and difficult to summarize. There are so many roles and expectations placed on church leaders today. But we see that Peter establishes an important foundation on which to build for the spiritual leader who seeks to find direction and satisfaction. Paul expresses the goal for every spiritual leader when he said, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.“ (Romans 12:11 NIV)