The Right Concept of Christian Leadership

The New International Version Chapter 5

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

The Right Concept of Christian Leadership

1 Peter 5:1-6

Main idea: This sermon explores Christian leadership, service, and influence, emphasizing the importance of leading with love, serving sincerely, and influencing with integrity.

Introduction

The Word of God is nigh thee, even in thine heart, it is the Word of faith which we preach. It is a remarkable blessing to gather in the house of our Lord, united in faith and fellowship, as we seek to draw closer to our Creator and grow in our understanding of His divine Word.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds toward the inspired wisdom of the Apostle Peter, as found in the first epistle, chapter five, verses one through six. This passage, rich with instruction and insight, provides us with a roadmap for Christian leadership, service, and influence. Christian leadership is based on the idea of serving and influencing others to achieve God’s purpose for their lives.

Allow me to read the passage in full:

"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. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."

In these words, we see a call to lead with love, serve with sincerity, and influence with integrity. But what does it truly mean to lead as Christ led, to serve as He served, to influence as He influenced?

The great Christian preacher and author, Charles Spurgeon, once said, "A good character when established is not easily overthrown and is a kind of heavenly inheritance." Indeed, our character, reflected in our leadership, service, and influence, is our legacy, our "heavenly inheritance". It is the light we shine into the world, a beacon of God's love and grace.

Now, with hearts open and spirits attuned to the divine wisdom of Scripture, let us consider these three things about Christian leadership.

Understand the Essence of Christian Leadership

In the passage we've read, the Apostle Peter lays out a blueprint for leadership that is grounded in the teachings of Christ. This isn't leadership as the world understands it, marked by power, prestige, and personal gain. Instead, it's a leadership style that is marked by humility, service, and a deep love for others.

The first thing we see in this passage is a call to shepherd the flock of God. This is a powerful image, one that speaks to the heart of what Christian leadership is all about. A shepherd doesn't drive the sheep from behind, pushing them where he wants them to go. Instead, he leads from the front, guiding them along the right path. He knows each one by name, cares for their needs, and protects them from harm.

In the same way, Christian leaders are called to guide and care for those under their charge. They are to know them, to understand their needs, and to protect them. They are to lead by example, showing them the way to live a life that is pleasing to God. This is a high calling, one that requires a deep commitment to the well-being of others.

Next, Peter tells us that this leadership should be exercised not under compulsion, but willingly. This speaks to the motivation behind our leadership. It's not something we do out of obligation or because we must. Instead, it's something we do out of love for God and for others.

We serve because we want to, because we understand the privilege it is to be used by God in this way. We understand that leadership is not about us, but about God and His kingdom. We lead not for our own gain, but for the benefit of others and for the glory of God.

This is a radical departure from the world's view of leadership, which often values personal gain above all else. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a different standard. We are called to lead with integrity, with a focus on serving others rather than serving ourselves.

Finally, Peter tells us that Christian leaders are not to be domineering but are to be examples to the flock. This is perhaps the most challenging aspect of Christian leadership. It's easy to tell others what to do, to dictate and control. But to lead by example, to live in such a way that others want to follow, that's a much harder task.

It requires a level of transparency and authenticity that can be uncomfortable. It requires us to live out our faith in a visible, tangible way. It requires us to be humble, to admit our mistakes, and to seek forgiveness when we fall short. But it's also the most effective way to lead. Because when we lead by example, we show others what it looks like to live a life that is centered on Christ.

In each of these aspects of Christian leadership - shepherding the flock, leading willingly, not for gain, and being an example - we see a reflection of Christ Himself. He is the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep. He is the Servant King, who came not to be served, but to serve. He is the Perfect Example, who lived a sinless life and calls us to follow in His footsteps.

This is the essence of Christian leadership. It's a high calling, but it's also a great privilege. And it's a journey that we undertake not in our own strength, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, who equips and empowers us to lead in a way that honors God and blesses others.

Upholding the Principles of Service in Christianity

As we continue to examine the Apostle Peter's words, we find ourselves shifting our focus from leadership to service. The principles of service in Christianity are deeply embedded in this passage, painting a vivid picture of how we, as followers of Christ, are called to serve.

In the opening lines of the passage, Peter exhorts the elders to shepherd the flock of God that is among them. This is not a mere suggestion, but a divine mandate. The term 'shepherd' here is not used lightly. In the original Greek text, the word which means to tend, to feed, to guide, or to protect is used. It is used in several other passages in the Bible, each time underscoring the nurturing, caring, and protective role of the shepherd.

In John 21:16, Jesus uses the same term when He instructs Peter to 'shepherd' His sheep. In Revelation 2:27, the term is used to describe Christ's rule over the nations with a rod of iron, a clear depiction of His protective and guiding role. The use of the word in these passages underscores the nurturing, caring, and protective role that we are called to play in service to others.

This call to shepherd the flock is not to be taken lightly. It is a divine mandate, a sacred responsibility entrusted to us by God Himself. It is a call to action that requires us to step out of our comfort zones and into the lives of those around us. It requires us to be present, to be attentive, to be caring, and to be protective. It requires us to put the needs of others before our own, to serve with a heart of compassion and a spirit of selflessness.

Peter highlights the way we are to serve. He instructs us to exercise oversight not under compulsion, but willingly. This is a powerful reminder that our service should not be a burden, but a joy. It should not be a duty, but a delight. It should not be a chore, but a choice.

Peter underscores the motive behind our service. He cautions us against serving for shameful gain but encourages us to serve eagerly. This is a stark reminder that our service should not be a means to an end, but an end. It should not be a steppingstone to personal gain, but a pathway to personal growth. It should not be a ticket to recognition, but a testament to our commitment to Christ and His teachings.

Unleashing the Potential to Influence for God's Purpose

In the realm of Christian influence, we are called to equip God's people for service. This equipping is not merely about imparting skills or knowledge, but about nurturing spiritual growth, fostering a heart for service, and inspiring a life lived in alignment with God's will.

The first aspect of this equipping process involves fostering a personal relationship with God. This relationship is the foundation upon which all Christian influence is built. It is through our personal relationship with God that we come to understand His love, His grace, and His purpose for our lives. As we grow in our relationship with God, we become more attuned to His voice, more receptive to His guidance, and more eager to serve His people.

The second aspect of equipping God's people for service involves cultivating a servant's heart. This is a heart that is humble, compassionate, and selfless, always seeking to put the needs of others before its own. A servant's heart is not concerned with recognition or reward, but with the joy of serving God and blessing others.

In the context of Christian influence, a servant's heart is a powerful tool for change. It is through our acts of service, done in love and humility, that we can touch the hearts of others, inspire them to seek God, and encourage them to join us in serving His people.

The third aspect of equipping God's people for service involves inspiring action. As Christian influencers, we are not merely called to talk about God's love, but to demonstrate it through our actions. We are called to be doers of the word, not just hearers.

The final aspect of equipping God's people for service involves fostering a spirit of unity. As Christians, we are all part of the body of Christ, each with our own unique gifts and talents, but all working together for the glory of God.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12). As we foster a spirit of unity, we create a powerful force for change, influencing others through our collective love, service, and dedication to God's purpose.

Conclusion

As I hasten to a close, let's remember that our call to Christian leadership, service, and influence is not a burden, but a joy. It's a privilege to serve our Lord and to lead others toward His grace and love. We're not alone in this journey. We have each other, and most importantly, we have a God who loves us, guides us, and empowers us to be the light in this world. Yes, walk in the light, that beautiful light. Somewhere the dew drops of mercy shine bright. Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus the light of the world. God has given us the light in the personage of His Son Jesus who died on the cross.