10 Days to Better Spiritual LeadershipSample

Peter was the natural leader of the apostolic band. What Peter did, the others did; where he went, the others went. His mistakes, which sprang from his impetuous personality, were many, but his influence and leadership were without equal. We do well to ponder the advice of Peter’s mature years to spiritual leaders of every generation.

See that your “flock of God” is properly fed and cared for, Peter urges (1 Peter 5:2). Such is a shepherd’s primary responsibility. In these words we can hear the resonance of Peter’s never-to-be-forgotten interview with Jesus after his failure, the conversation that restored him and assured him of Jesus’ continuing love and care ( John 21:15–22). Likewise, these “strangers in the world” (1 Peter 1:1) about whom Peter was writing were themselves passing through deep trials. Peter could feel for them and with them, and he wrote his letter to elders with that in mind.

Peter does not approach his readers from above, as a virtuoso apostle. Rather, he takes the position of fellow elder, alongside the others, bearing similar burdens. He also writes as a witness to the sufferings of Christ, one whose heart has been humbled by failure, broken and conquered by Calvary’s love. He is a leader who looks across at others but not down. A shepherd’s work requires a shepherd’s heart.

First, Peter deals with a leader’s motivation. The spiritual leader is to approach the work willingly, not by coercion. Leaders of the church in Peter’s day faced challenges that would daunt the stoutest heart, yet Peter urges that they not faint or retreat from them. Nor should leaders serve from a sense of mere duty but because of love. The work of pastoring and helping new believers is to be done “as God wants,” not directed by personal preferences or desires. 

When God calls us, we cannot refuse from a sense of inadequacy. Nobody is worthy of such trust. When Moses tried that excuse, God became angry (Exodus 4:14). Let us not pass the buck of leadership because we think ourselves incapable.

The spiritual leader cannot have money in his eyes when service beckons. Do not work as one “greedy for money,” Peter warns (1 Peter 5:2). Perhaps Peter had in mind Judas, whose passion for money led to his fall. Leaders will be called upon to formulate policy, to set budgets and decide priorities, to deal with property. None of that can be done well if personal gain looms as a background motive.    

The Christian leader must not be dictatorial. “Not lording it over those entrusted to you” (1 Peter 5:3). A domineering manner, an unbridled ambition, an offensive strut, a tyrant’s talk—no attitude could be less fit for one who claims to be a servant of the Son of God.

A leader must be a worthy example for the people. “But being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). These words remind us of Paul’s advice to Timothy: “But set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Peter teaches that elders need the shepherd spirit. Should elders ever forget whose flock they lead, Peter reminds them that it is God’s. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd; we are assistants and associates working under His authority.   

Peter concludes this section of teaching with a mention of heavenly reward: “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4). An athlete’s crown would wither; even a king’s crown would rust. But no such loss comes to the Christian servant who has chosen treasures in heaven to comforts on earth.