The Basic Plan
Back to the Basics: A First Century Church • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Opening Comments:
Opening Comments:
We are now five weeks into our series, “Back to Basics: Becoming a First Century Church.” Over the last four weeks, we’ve been building a biblical blueprint for the local church bycomparing it to the construction of a house.
In week one, from Matthew 16, we saw that Jesus is the foundation of the church. He’s the One who promises to build it, secure it, and lead it.
In week two, from Ephesians 4, we saw that unity is the framework with the walls formed by humility, shared faith, and Spirit-shaped maturity.
In week three, from Acts 20, we saw that elders are the truss—a strong, interconnected leadership structure designed to carry the load and keep the church aligned and stable.
Last week, in 1 Timothy 3, we asked: What makes the truss strong? The answer was character—the personal, spiritual, and public integrity of the men who lead the church.
This morning, we move from who the elders are to what the elders do. We’re answering the question:
How does God expect elders to function in His church?
We turn to 1 Peter 5:1–5 (pg. 955 in our church-provided Bibles) to find our answer.
Mention The upcoming Q&A and turning in questions
This is God’s holy Word. Let’s read it together.
1 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:
2 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;
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
5 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.”
Introduction:
Introduction:
The Christians Peter is writing to here in 1 Peter 5 are scattered across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). They are under intense social, political, and spiritual pressure. Following Jesus is costing them dearly.
As Peter nears the end of his letter, he shifts focus. He moves from encouraging individual believers to persevere in suffering to instructing the church on how to stand firm together; and he begins with leadership.
When a church is under pressure, the health and humility of its shepherds becomes absolutely vital.
Picture a shepherd in ancient times: the sun is scorching, or a storm is rolling in. His sheep, left to themselves, are incredibly vulnerable. They’re not like wolves who are able to defend themselves, or like deer who are quick and agile. They’re slow, easily spooked, and prone to wander into danger. Without the constant care and watchful eye of a shepherd, their survival rate plummets.
Peter understands both suffering and shepherding. He walked with Jesus. He denied Him. He was restored by Him. And now, filled with the Holy Spirit and writing with apostolic authority, Peter calls the elders to rise and serve:
1 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:
It’s no accident that Peter starts here. When the house is shaking, it’s the truss that holds the weight. And if the truss is going to hold, it must be made of strong material and rightly positioned.
But here’s the key: elders don’t replace the congregation, they serve the congregation. They are under-shepherds, appointed to lead, feed, protect, and model—not over the church, but among the church.
Just as sheep need a shepherd to survive, the church needs faithful, humble, biblically grounded leaders who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Let’s explore together three key truths from this passage about the “Basic plan for God’s Elder-Led Church:”
Elders Shepherd the Flock (v. 2a)
Elders Lead with Godly Motives (vv. 2b–3)
Elders Serve Under God’s Authority (vv. 4–5)
1.) Elders Shepherd the Flock. (v.2a)
1.) Elders Shepherd the Flock. (v.2a)
2 shepherd the flock of God…
Why does the Bible use the sheep metaphor so often? Because people are a lot like sheep, and sheep need shepherds because:
Sheep are vulnerable – they get lost easily and predators love them.
Sheep are dependent – they need constant guidance to find safe food and water.
Sheep are stubborn – they wander, resist correction, and get stuck.
Sheep are valuable – a good shepherd will risk his life for them
What does it mean to shepherd the flock:
A.) Feeding the sheep
The verb shepherd (poimainō) includes the idea of feeding.
Sheep don’t feed themselves well. They’ll graze the same patch of grass into the dirt. They’ll eat poisonous weeds. They need to be led to fresh pasture, daily.
So it is with the people of God. Elders must feed the flock with God’s Word.
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
But this is more than just sermons from the pulpit. Elders feed the sheep:
In small groups
In one-on-one counseling
At hospital bedsides
And Living Room conversations
A good shepherd is never far from the Word. He doesn’t just study it, he dispenses it. Patiently. Proactively. Nourishingly.
No one knew this better than Peter.
After Peter’s denial of Jesus, Christ didn’t disqualify him, He restored him.
In John 21, three times Jesus asks– “Peter, do you love me? Then tells him to “Feed my sheep.”
So when Peter says “Shepherd the flock,” he’s not speaking in abstract terms. He’s relaying his personal commission from Jesus. This is a man who knows what it means to be forgiven and entrusted with the spiritual care of others.
And now, he’s passing Jesus charge to proactively feed the sheep to other elders. This is his primary job.
Application: While it is the elders job to feed the flock with God’s word; it is the congregations job to receive the nourishment by engaging with the Word, in all of its forms. Come ready to listen to the sermon, participate in a small group, be open to counsel that is rooted in scripture. A well fed church is a healthy church
B.) Knowing the sheep- Living among them.
2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you,…
Shepherds, don’t lead from afar, they live among the flock. It is the same with elders, they live among the people. They share meals, their burdens, pray together, rejoice, and weep with the flock.
Sheep needs shepherds who know their names, know their struggles, know when one is missing. That’s why elders must be present, available, and connected; not distant, or detached. Shepherds, should “smell like sheep.”
A true shepherd doesn’t just count his sheep from a distance. He knows their individual quirks, which ones are prone to straying, which ones are weaker, which ones are pregnant or have new lambs. He inspects them daily for wounds, listens to their beliefs, and recognizes their unique calls. He might even sleep among them in the fold at night. This intimate knowledge is what enables the shepherd to care for each one effectively.
This means being present in the joys and sorrows of life, showing up at the hospital, sitting at the kitchen table, or simply knowing and caring for individuals beyond Sunday morning. Elders should truly know their flock, not just from the pulpit, but from walking beside them.
Jesus modeled this:
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
This is also why a plurality of elders is so vital. No one man can know everyone well. But a team of elders can share that responsibility, providing relational shepherding throughout the whole body.
2. Elders Lead with Godly Motives. (v.2b-3)
2. Elders Lead with Godly Motives. (v.2b-3)
Peter now turns from what elders due to how and why they do it..
A.) Willingly, Not Reluctantly
2 … exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly,…
Elders must not serve because they’re pressured or obligated, but because they’re called and willing. This isn’t duty for the sake of appearance; it’s joyful willingness born of calling and love for Christ.
17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.
14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;
Elders should feel the joy full burden of the call, not because they have to, but because they get to. It’s not duty, it’s delight.
2 …exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;…
Elders should reflect the heart of Jesus, the “Good Shepherd”, who lays down his life willingly.
B.) Eagerly, not for gain.
2 … exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;
Shepherding isn’t a career move. It’s a call to serve.
5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.
6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.
One should never go into ministry for the sake of position, power, or a paycheck. That’s “shameful gain.”
This doesn’t mean compensation is wrong, Scripture teaches it’s appropriate, but it must never be the motivation.
True shepherds, eagerly serve because they’re driven by love for Christ and his people. The motive must be the glory of God, and the good of the sheep, not personal advantage.
C.) By Example, not domination
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
Elders aren’t called to be dictators or authoritarian enforcers, they’re called to be examples.
Jesus warned about this in
42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
Elders are not CEOs. They are not decision-makers in ivory towers. They lead by example, modeling repentance, hospitality, patience, purity, and humility.
This is the difference between a hireling and a shepherd.
A hireling wield power; a shepherd lays it down.
A hireling guards, his image; a shepherd guards, the sheep.
A hireling drives the sheep from behind with a whip; a shepherd walks ahead of them, and they follow his voice.
What does this look like practically?
It looks like men who are quick to repent, slow to speak, patient in conflict, and gentle with the week. It looks like lives that reflect the fruit of the spirit. Elders don’t lead by control, they lead by consistent Christ-like conduct.
12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
A godly elder, invites others to follow him, not because he’s perfect, but because his life is patterned after Jesus.
3.) Elders Serve Under God’s Authority. (v.4-5)
3.) Elders Serve Under God’s Authority. (v.4-5)
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
A.) Elders answer to the chief shepherd
Elders are under-shepherds. The sheep they lead are not ultimately theirs, they belong to the chief shepherd, Jesus.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
Every elder will one day give an account, not to some board, not just to the congregation, but to Jesus himself.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
That accountability is sobering and glorious all at the same time.
Peter says when Jesus returns, faithful elders will receive “an unfading crown of glory.”
Even the most dedicated earthly shepherd is imperfect, and can make mistakes. But our chief shepherd, Jesus, is flawless. He is the one who always knows the best pasture, always protects from every predator, and never loses a single one of his sheep. His staff is perfect, He’s leading is perfect, his love is perfect. We submit to our human elders, because they serve him, and ultimately, our faith isn’t his unfailing shepherding.
B.) Congregational harmony (v.5)
5 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.”
Younger- Isn’t about age, but inclusively refers to all members of the congregation, who are not serving as elders.
Peter is directly appealing to every person in the church to respect and follow the godly leadership of their shepherds. This is where congregationalism and eldership unite. Elders lead, but they don’t replace the congregation.
So if you’re wondering “Will, I still have a voice if we transition to elders? The answer is yes.
So if you’re wondering “Will, I still have a voice if we transition to elders? The answer is yes.
Elders teach, guide, and protect but the church still affirms its doctrine, selects its leaders, and exercises discipline. Elders don’t replace congregationalism, they support it.
The examples we have in the Bible show us:
The congregation affirms its own leaders.
3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
Guards its doctrine.
8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Disciplines sin
(Matthew 18, we will look at this in 2 weeks)
And approves key decisions.
22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers,
Elders are not kings, they’re shepherds, called to guide, not to rule. They do this by feeding and modeling, and the congregation responds in trust and submission, not blind obedience; but willing partnership under Christ.
A church with humble elders and humble members is a church full of grace. Peter’s call for humility in both leaders and congregation isn’t just a moral virtue; it’s a reflection of the gospel itself.
You see it is through Christ, ultimate act of humility on the cross, that we receive grace, and it is by his spirit that we are empowered to walk in it together.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
God’s basic plan for church leadership is elder lead, Christ centered, and word saturated. Leadership that is built on character not charisma. That leads the flock by discipleship, not dominance.
Elders are not replacements for congregational authority. They’re not figureheads. They’re not a safety board. They are shepherds, appointed to love the church under Christ care.
And when elders lead like this, and when members respond in trust and humility, the church becomes stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.
Now that we understand how the church functions under plural elder leadership, how do we as a congregation need to respond.
Embrace God’s design with joy– Don’t fear a shift toward elder plurality, rejoice in it! This isn’t about silencing your voice, it’s about multiplying care and shared responsibility. This is a return to God’s original design for his church. The first century model.
Grow in the qualities of a shepherd– Humility, hospitality, integrity, and love are all marks of a mature believer. Ask God to grow these in you. Pursue personal holiness and spiritual maturity, becoming more like Christ in your own sphere of influence. And for those men who feel a stirring in your heart, prayerfully consider if God is cultivating these qualities in you for future service as an elder.
Trust the Chief Shepherd- In the end, Heritage won’t belong to her elders, she belongs to Jesus. He’s the one who laid down his life for us. He’s the one who walks with us now. And it’s just a matter of time before he returns again. Our ultimate trust is never in human leaders, but in the perfect, infallible Chief Shepherd, who guides his flock with unfailing love and wisdom.
Gospel Invitation:
Gospel Invitation:
Perhaps you’re here today and you’re not a part of the flock, not truly. You’ve seen the church. Maybe you even attended regularly; but you’ve never come to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus.
Friend, he’s not just a teacher or example; he’s the savior of the world! He laid down his life for sinners. He rose again. He calls you to turn from your sin and place your trust in him alone.
Don’t leave today without surrendering to Jesus. He is the door to the sheepfold. Come in. Be saved. Join the flock. No the shepherd.
Prayer:
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for giving us your word, and your pattern for leader ship in the church. Raise up humble, faithful elders, who reflect your heart. Grow our congregation in unity and grace. Shape us all into people who serve, Love, and to walk in humility. For those who don’t yet know you, call them by your spirit, save them by your mercy, and a dd them to your flock.
In Jesus name, we pray, amen.
