Wednesday
Wednesday
An Appeal to Pastors
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers.
1 Peter 5:2
Shepherding as a metaphor for leadership recurs on many occasions in the Bible. Yahweh is the shepherd of Israel. Political leaders inherited the same title but were condemned for allowing their sheep to be scattered (Ezekiel 34). Jesus took over the role as the Good Shepherd, who knows, leads, calls, loves, and feeds his sheep and who lays down his life for them.
It is, however, particularly poignant that Peter should here appeal to the elders of the church as “shepherds of God’s flock,” for this was his ministry (“feed my sheep” [John 21:18]) when the risen Lord recommissioned him on the shore of the Lake of Galilee. It is very likely that Peter was remembering this episode when he issued his appeal to church elders to shepherd God’s flock. His message is summed up in three antitheses.
Firstly, their spirit must be voluntary: serving “not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be” (1 Pet. 5:2). The very concept of being a conscript in the service of Christ is grotesque.
Secondly, their motive must be free from anything mercenary: “not greedy for money, but eager to serve” (v. 2). Yet throughout history bad men have tried to make money out of ministry. In the ancient world there were many quacks who made a good living by posing as itinerant teachers. But Paul renounced his right to support and earned his own living in order to demonstrate the sincerity of his motives. In our day there are still some disreputable evangelists who make themselves wealthy by financial appeals.
Thirdly, their manner must be humble: “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (v. 3). Jesus gave his disciples a clear warning about this very thing. Secular rulers, he said, “lord it over them,” and “their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you” (Mark 10:42–43). Instead, Christian leaders must exercise a humble servant ministry. They must lead not by power but by example.
For further reading: 1 Peter 5:1–11