Church leadership can sometimes feel like a mystery to many believers. What exactly do elders do? How should we relate to church leadership? Peter addresses these important questions in his first letter, providing clear guidance about the role of elders and how the church should respond to godly leadership.
What Does It Mean for Elders to Shepherd the Flock?
Peter uses the metaphor of shepherding to describe the elder’s primary responsibility. Just as shepherds care for sheep, elders are called to shepherd God’s people. This comparison is particularly meaningful when we understand the nature of sheep. Sheep are among the most helpless animals on the planet. They cannot reason like other animals, are incapable of finding food on their own, require constant attention and care, and become completely disoriented when they stray from familiar territory. This helps us understand why Jesus spoke about leaving the 99 to find the one lost sheep – that sheep literally cannot find its way back home. The spiritual parallels are clear. Like sheep, we need shepherds to lead us to spiritual food, provide water for our souls, and protect us from danger. This is exactly what elders are called to do in the church.
The Essential Role of Spiritual Maturity in Leadership
Peter emphasizes that spiritual maturity must be the primary qualification for church leadership. Many churches make the mistake of choosing leaders based on business success, wealth, charismatic personality, or natural leadership abilities. However, Peter shows us that spiritual preparation is paramount.
Why Spiritual Maturity Matters
Churches will inevitably face difficult times. If elders lack spiritual maturity, they may run when things get tough or avoid making hard decisions because they fear upsetting people. This can cause serious damage to a church. Spiritually mature elders need to know God’s Word thoroughly, understand what Scripture teaches, and be willing to stand on biblical truth. They also need thick skin because people will sometimes say hurtful things, spread half-truths, or even outright lies about leadership decisions. Additionally, elders must be able to experience and recognize God’s presence. They need the wisdom and discernment to sense when the Holy Spirit is moving and to lead the church in the right direction accordingly.
How Do Elders Lead the Church?
Peter tells elders to “shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight.” This involves several key responsibilities:
Leading by Example
In Middle Eastern culture, shepherds don’t drive sheep from behind – they lead from the front. The sheep know their shepherd’s voice and follow willingly. Similarly, elders should lead by example rather than by force or manipulation.
Feeding and Protecting
Elders must be committed to teaching God’s Word, recognizing it as the most necessary thing Christians need in their lives. They should be so devoted to studying Scripture that it flows out of them like a wellspring. At the same time, elders must be vigilant protectors, watching for wolves in sheep’s clothing and preventing false teaching from entering the church. Most attacks on churches come from within, not from outside forces.
Oversight vs. Overdoing
An important distinction exists between being an overseer and being an “overdoer.” Elders are not meant to be super-deacons doing everything in the church. Instead, they should focus on prayer, watching over the spiritual health of the congregation, and providing direction and protection.
What Motivates Godly Church Leadership?
Peter outlines several important principles about the heart and motivation of faithful elders:
Willing Service
Elders should never serve out of guilt, persuasion, or desire for position and recognition. They should serve willingly because they know this is God’s calling on their lives.
Pure Motives
Church leadership should never be pursued for personal gain, advancement of personal agendas, or as a platform for individual soapbox issues. Elders must be submitted to God’s Word and follow where God is leading through consensus among the leadership team.
Humble Authority
Peter warns against domineering leadership. When men seek eldership for personal gain or position, they often become controlling when people resist their will. Instead of recognizing this and seeking God’s direction, they become more forceful and manipulative. Godly elders understand that God doesn’t make the church full of mindless followers. When spiritually discerning people raise concerns about leadership direction, humble elders listen and consider whether they might be heading off the right path.
Living as Examples to the Flock
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of eldership is the call to be examples to the congregation. Elders must live their lives in such a way that people can watch them and see a model of godly living without even having to ask questions. This doesn’t mean elders are perfect, but it does mean they take seriously the responsibility of being a resource and example for others to follow. When someone is struggling or has questions, they should be able to look to an elder’s life and words for guidance.
The Eternal Reward for Faithful Leadership
Peter encourages elders by pointing to future reward: “And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” While there may not be many earthly rewards for faithful church leadership – and there will certainly be seasons of difficulty and heartache – there is an eternal reward waiting. This recognition that Jesus is the “chief shepherd” is crucial. Human shepherds are merely stewards. Churches are not built on pastoral personalities or individual teaching abilities, but on Christ himself.
How Should the Church Respond to Godly Leadership?
Peter doesn’t only address elders – he also tells the church how to respond to godly leadership. He establishes that God has created a hierarchy in the church and that believers should come under the oversight of the leaders God has placed over them.
The Blessing of Submission
When believers submit to godly leadership that teaches God’s Word and seeks His will for the church, they receive protection and covering that helps them grow in faith. This submission builds trust and brings the peace and joy that comes from operating within God’s design. Hebrews 13:17 reinforces this principle: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
The Role of Humility
The key to proper submission to church leadership is humility. This means not thinking we’re better than others, not assuming we could do things better because of our experience, and recognizing that without Jesus Christ, we would all be lost. Humility helps us realize that being part of a church is a privilege of grace, and we’re surrounded by people who are just like us – saved by grace and growing in faith.
When Churches Operate According to God’s Design
When churches function with godly leadership and humble, committed congregations, they thrive spiritually. This doesn’t necessarily mean explosive numerical growth, but it does mean spiritual health and vitality. Healthy church leadership requires spiritually mature men who are committed to the spiritual health of their congregation. These leaders are willing to make difficult decisions and sacrifices because they genuinely care about the souls under their care. The church’s role is to come alongside this leadership, allowing God to work through the structure He has established. While Satan will try to destroy this unity, believers can resist by leaning on both leadership and each other, allowing God to accomplish His purposes.
Life Application
This week, examine your relationship with church leadership and your role in the body of Christ. Consider how you can better support godly leadership through prayer, encouragement, and humble submission to God’s design for the church. Ask yourself these questions: Do I pray regularly for my church leaders and the weight of responsibility they carry? Am I quick to criticize or slow to assume the best about leadership decisions? How can I demonstrate humility in my relationships with both leaders and fellow believers? Am I committed to my local church in a way that builds trust and unity? Do I recognize that spiritual authority exists for my protection and growth, not my restriction? Choose one specific way you can encourage your church leadership this week, whether through a note of appreciation, offering to pray for a specific need, or simply demonstrating the kind of humble, committed church membership that allows leaders to serve with joy rather than groaning.
