1 Peter 5:1-7
- Lead because you are willing. (Vs. 2)
Local church leadership is a get to, not have to.
God presents each of us with the privilege to lead and that leadership is an honor.
The attitude of a good shepherd is one who cares for the flock, watching out for their best interests.
- Serve because you are eager. (Vs. 2)
Not only are you willing, but you are filled with passion to serve.
Servant leaders are enthusiastic to serve others and find joy in selfless giving.
- Steward your authority well. (Vs. 3)
God gives you authority.
He first grants authority to His Son, and then Jesus transfers that authority to His disciples.
Authority was never meant to make the leader great, the purpose is to make the Kingdom great.
- Lead by example. (Vs. 3)
Godly character leads the way.
Poor leadership says, “do what I say.”
Good leadership says, “do as I do.”
Great leadership says, “let’s do this together.”
Perfection isn’t the goal, but genuinely patterning after the life of Jesus is our high calling and responsibility.
- Embrace humility. (Vs. 5-6)
Jesus set the example for us.
He humbled Himself by taking on the nature of a servant.
It’s difficult to consistently put others first, to treat them as more important than ourselves, but this is the great challenge God gives us.
6. Leave your anxieties in your prayer room. (Vs. 7)
Church leadership carries with it significant challenges and problems.
As leaders, we’re human, these pressures can wear us down.
The good news is that we can take them to God and trust Him to carry them.
