Shepherding for the Unfading Crown

Sermon Discussion Questions: October 4, 2026 Shepherding for the Unfading Crown Call to Worship: 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 1. How did this Call to Worship relate to the sermon? Sermon: 1 Peter 5 1. This letter was written to people who were mostly refugees, barely tolerated or being actively persecuted. After addressing how believers should deal with society, family, and employers, Peter now addresses (among other things) leadership. What is the value of this advice to those not if positions of leadership? 2. Peter's directions would enable a congregation to not just survive, but to ________ in a hostile world. 3. Peter did not advocate for political influence, economic might, or self-reliance. Rather he described what strategies? 4. Instead of “pulling rank” as an Apostle, Peter appeals to the congregation as an Elder. What else does he mention about his situation? Why is this a better approach then claiming Apostolic authority? 5. Pastors and laity have different roles. What do they hold in common? 6. Why, in both the Old and New Testaments, are shepherds used as a metaphor for spiritual leaders? 7. A Master's of Divinity as the worst return on investment of any advanced degree. Should we assume Pastors have low financial acumen? Defend your answer. 8. What guiding principles might help you discern whether a leader's error/failing should be dismissed or addressed? 9. Three characteristics of good shepherding: W_______________, E_____________, and as an E___________________. 10. Three characteristics of bad shepherding: Under C____________, Shameful F__________ G______, and to D___________________. 11. How does a church prepare for the passing of older elders? What scriptural direction or examples do we see in this epistle or other places in the Bible? Prayer Points: • Ask God to raise up humble, eager leaders at Northwest who serve willingly and set a Christlike example, and look forward to the unfading crown of glory. 1. Share a story about a leader who inspired you. • Seek the Lord for freedom from pride, granting you the grace to submit to one another and to cast every anxiety onto the Father who lovingly cares for you. 2. Give a scriptural example of someone who demonstrated this kind of submissive grace. • Pray for the Holy Spirit to keep you sober-minded and vigilant, resisting the enemy’s lies and resting in the promise that God will keep you in His eternal grace. 3. What was one lie you believed prior to your salvation, or even early into your salvation? How did you come to replace it with the truth? Was there a verse that helped you?