Read 1 Peter 5:1-4
Discover
1. What specific group of people and environment is Peter addressing in these verses?
2. What word does he use to describe people who are being cared for by this group (verse 2)?
3. What specific actions does he mention in his appeal to elders?
Respond
Throughout the book of 1 Peter, we’ve read Peter’s words to scattered Christians. In this final chapter, he addresses God’s household, and he kicks it off with a word to church leaders. He charges these elders with the same task he was given by Jesus Himself, to care for the flock.
While these instructions were given to church leaders, they can be applied no matter our leadership position, whether formal or informal. Christian leadership means caring for the flock God has entrusted to us. This means we don’t lead grudgingly; we lead willingly. We don’t lead for what we’ll get; we lead because we’re eager to serve God. We don’t lord our leadership over people; we lead by example.
Where has God given you leadership or influence over others? Do you lead in the way described above? What adjustments do you need to make to do so? Spend some time in reflection and prayer now, acknowledging where you’ve not led in a healthy way. Ask God to reveal a next step you can take to lead more like Him.
Want to go deeper? These two podcast episodes dive into leadership in different contexts:
- Listen to this episode for more on leadership in the church.
- Listen to this episode for more on leadership outside the church.