Leading With Hope (1 Peter 5:1-4)

1 Peter 5:1-4

Curious people sometimes ask me why I chose to become a pastor. As I get close to 15 years here at Grace this spring, I think the better question might be: Why would anyone continue being a pastor (or any Christian leader)?

After seeing many friends and former ministry colleagues crash and burn, it's humbling how many pitfalls are out there for those in leadership in Christ's church.

Of course, this isn't unique to pastors. All of us face temptations that threaten to derail those leadership roles that are most precious to us.

This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in 1 Peter with 5:1-4. This passage outlines the temptations that Christian leaders (elders, specifically) are called to lead the church. In this passage, Peter identifies three temptations that elders face:

- Will you resent your calling or embrace it willingly?

- Will you exploit those you lead or sacrifice for them?

- Will you lead the people by example or demand they do things you won't do yourself?

These three temptations are timeless. As we open up the Scriptures together this Sunday, I hope that we'll consider these temptations soberly - looking first in the mirror at our own capacity to wander, and secondly to pray for those in leadership in Christ's name around the world.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

-1 Peter 5:1-4