Reading: In today’s reading, Peter appeals to leaders in the church – the overseers, pastors, and elders. He addresses their responsibility, their heart, and their reward.  If you want to lead in life, these principles will most likely apply in your situation. Peter stresses to “be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them.” The job of a pastor in a church is to lead the sheep under his care. This includes, first, knowing the sheep. A pastor must do the hard work of building relationships with those under his care.  Secondly, a pastor looks to feed the sheep. This is done by teaching the word of God! We need more faithful teachers of God’s word. We are being taught many things from the time we wake up until the time we go to bed, and most of these things may in fact be fleeting and fading away, but we know that God’s Word abides. The pastor’s job is to give the sheep the words from God which will sustain them and will never fade away. Thirdly, a pastor is supposed to show the sheep. A pastor must strive to live a holy life in Christ Jesus and be an example to the flock!  A pastor should be able to say just as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.”  

What is interesting is that most of the roles of a pastor are related to their character traits and not their skills. Leaders must be willing. No one should force you into this role. Leading is not a “have to” job, but a “get to” job. Leaders must be eager servants, as Peter says, “not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve”. Most unfaithful pastors/leaders have a motivation to be known and to make a name for themselves.  They act and work with selfish and worldly motives. Faithful pastors are motivated by love and are eager to serve their flock. Pastors also must be a gentle servant, as Peter says, “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” They should not have a desire for power and control but a desire to serve with humility and purity.

There is reward in being a pastor or leader, but it comes with a high cost. Being a pastor/leader is hard and challenging work and drives many to despair, depression, and corruption. But to those who keep their eyes on Jesus, they will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.   

What is true about pastors in the church is also practically true about any leader who bears the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  You can use these same principles to become a leader on your team, at your school, in your home or at your job.  There is great cost to becoming this kind of leader - you must deny yourself take up your cross daily and follow Christ (Luke 9:23) - but there is also great reward, namely the crown of glory that will never fade away. The problem is that we have too few men who have accepted the responsibility to lead with the heart of Christ! This must change! Will you step up to the plate and humbly accept your calling?

Finally, remember that shepherds/leaders are also sheep in need of the good shepherd, Jesus Christ.  Be sure to give grace to your pastors, coaches, teachers, bosses as they lead you and be sure to rely on the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ as you lead others. 

Reflection: What pastors, coaches, or leaders in your life fit these characteristics of a Godly leader?

Where/Who is God calling you to shepherd?  In the church? In a ministry? At work? School? For a team? 

Prayer Prompts: Thank you, Father, for sending us the Good Shepherd.  Thank you for knowing us personally, for feeding us with the Words of life and for showing us what true life is!  Father, rid us of all pride and selfish ambition and help us to humbly join you in leading others to the eternal crown of glory that never fades away.