The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 1 Peter 5:1-3
Peter gives 4 principles for leaders.
(Specifically pastors/elders,
but, by extension,
anyone in a leadership position
in the body of Christ.)
Shepherd the flock of God
Do the job.
A challenging, frustrating,
Exhausting, bewildering,
Blessed calling.
Not by compulsion but willingly
Serve with pure motivation.
Not out of guilt or obligation.
Not for personal gratification or adulation,
A willing servant.
Not for dishonest gain but eagerly
Focus on the correct goals.
Not influence, prestige,
Money, power, acquisition
A trustworthy steward
Not being lords but examples to the flock
Lead by example.
Not domineering or abusive
Authoritarian, manipulative, or intimidating.
Leading like Jesus Christ
Peter’s principle: Be the kind of leader Jesus was. A shepherd. A humble, willing, trustworthy example.