by Pastor Patrick Cho
In my previous entry, I was prompted to look at 1 Peter 5:1-4 and the responsibility of shepherding the flock of God, thanks to my attendance at the recent Shepherds’ Conference. Just being in that setting with all those men was truly humbling, even though it was my thirteenth time going. It served as a helpful reminder of the daunting but joyful task of preaching God’s truth as well as the great and awesome responsibility of caring for His people.
The work of being a faithful pastor requires discipline, patience, and especially perseverance. Too often have I heard of pastors contemplating quitting to pursue other vocations. One fellow pastor once quipped, “I haven’t met a single pastor who hasn’t at one point in their ministry thought about quitting.” It was with these sorts of thoughts in my mind that the Lord led me to 1 Peter 5:1-4, which details who God has chosen to provide leadership for His church and how that leadership is to be carried out. Last time, we looked at the person for the work, and I thought it would be helpful to consider further the work itself.
The Apostle Peter begins by saying that the work of shepherding should be done “not under compulsion, but willingly.” In one sense, all believers are driven by an inner compulsion. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that the knowledge of the true gospel and the love of Christ compel us as believers to persuade others about Christ (2 Cor. 5:11-15). But at the heart of what pastors and elders are called to do, nothing other than a sincere devotion to Christ should ultimately motivate their ministry. Leaders in the church should not be driven by the fear of men, the desire for personal glory, or a sense of dutiful obligation as if God needed us. It is willing service because of a sincere devotion to Christ.
The text continues, “not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” The Apostle Paul always made it clear that he wasn’t simply peddling the gospel for money (cf. 1 Thess. 2:8-9). He took great care to ensure that others could not reasonably accuse him of preaching the gospel for financial gain. Instead, he worked with his own hands even though he was entitled as an Apostle and preacher of the gospel to receive compensation. God’s leaders are not to be driven by a love of money (cf. 1 Tim. 3:8; Titus 1:7). They are to minister for the Lord with eagerness. This word is used in other contexts in the New Testament to denote desire in generosity (cf. 2 Cor. 8:11-12). Paul said that he was eager to preach the gospel (Rom. 1:15). The one who is called to pastoral ministry is eager to perform the work because of God who calls him.
Finally, Peter writes that the leader is not to be domineering, but an example to the flock. Jesus pointed out that the Gentile authorities lorded over their people and that His disciples were not to lead in this way. A godly leader should be the servant of all (Matt. 20:25-28). It is such a sad thing to hear of ministries that are falling apart because of a pastor’s heavy-handed and domineering style of leadership. Too often, leaders do not accept criticism well and refuse to be crossed and exact vengeance on those who would oppose them. Too often we hear of ministries seeking to micromanage people’s lives and determine life decisions for their members. Paul sought to be parental in his care for the church. He treated them gently like a nursing mother while exhorting them as a loving father. Because of his style of ministry, he could instruct the church to “Be imitators of me” (1 Cor. 4:16 and 1 Cor. 11:2; cf. 1 Thess. 1:6). Needless to say, the qualifications of elders listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 are all about leading an exemplary life.
How will elders be rewarded for their faithful service? Peter encourages shepherds to remember that the Chief Shepherd will give the reward (v. 4). One of my dreams as a child was that perhaps some rich relative would die and leave for me some large inheritance through his will. Peter promises that the Creator of the universe and the God of all would be the one to richly bless those who faithfully serve as his “under-shepherds.” Jesus is going to come again and judge the shepherds for their faithfulness. Faithful leaders will receive the unfading crown of glory that will never wilt, rust, or break. For all of eternity these shepherds will be known for their faithful, excellent, and self-sacrificing service. They will be known for following in the example of the Chief Shepherd who came not to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many.
This is all a humbling reminder of how I need to do things better and how my ministry could be marked by greater care, discipline, and diligence. Praise God for the faithful men at the Shepherds’ Conference who serve as a huge example for me, men who have been faithful for many years and have endured tremendous trials and suffering. And praise God for sending Jesus our Chief Shepherd who cared for His flock enough to lay down His life.