And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. ~1 Peter 5:1-4 New Living Translation (NLT) When did the tides turn and the roles of the pastors and other ministerial church leaders become that of one who is a religious and/or spiritual “icon or celebrity”? When did the instructions for the shepherds and overseers of the flock change for them to call for, seek, demand or even remotely expect the flock to take of them? As the Apostle Paul points out; although we are entitled to it, we should not seek or demand it (1 Corinthians 9:4-14; Galatians 6:6). Jesus was very clear in the last supper He shared with his twelve. He was adamant about making sure they knew and understood that if they couldn’t see themselves as servant leaders, they could not have a part in Him (John 13:1-8). Here the Apostle Peter clearly instructs the pastors, overseers, elders, and other church leaders to spend their time and energy caring for the flock, and they are to let God care for them. So therefore, our role as ministers of the Gospel is to serve and feed the flock, not to seek to be served. Peace!
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 21:29:24 +0000
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