August 27 2023
1. If you visit bookstores such as Indigo or Chapters, you'll come across an extensive selection of books dedicated to the topic of leadership. Take, for instance, the renowned pastor and expert in leadership, John Maxwell. His literary contributions span over 30 publications, all centered around the theme of leadership. It's quite remarkable, isn't it? A single individual producing such a significant volume of work on leadership! This phenomenon underscores the prevalent desire among individuals to comprehend the intricacies of leadership and actively engage in it within organizations and corporations. This prompts the question: What motivates people to aspire to leadership roles within these entities?
There could be a bunch of reasons, but one of them might be that people just want to be the boss. They want to be the one in charge. And there's this other angle too – they might want to be served by others, so they want to take on a leadership role to make that happen. We might hear leaders suggesting books like "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, or that book "The Prince" by Machiavelli. Those books dive into strong leadership stuff, like making quick decisions and leading people instead of always serving others. Honestly, someone who can make decisions on the spot and has that charismatic vibe can easily step into a leadership role. In fact, they often end up being pretty successful leaders in the real world.
2. We are Christians – that means we are followers of Christ, and we believe that God has called us to be a part of the church. But when we think about the church, it's not just like any regular organization. It's not like a typical human-run setup. No, it's way more than that. It's the embodiment of Jesus Christ, all working together for the purpose of God's kingdom. When we view the church as the body of Jesus, it shifts how we look at leadership.
It's not the usual leadership model we're talking about here. Instead, it's about leading in a way that brings glory to God. I don't think we can treat the church like any old organization with a run-of-the-mill leader. If so, it is the question of how we can contribute to the church as its members. For it, Peter had some thoughts on that, and it's something we can meditate on. So today, let's ponder on a different aspect and let's dive into what leadership within the church looks like. It's not the average kind of leadership, it's something special and unique when we're talking about the body of Christ. Let us read 1 Peter 5:1-7
1 Peter 5:1–4 NKJV
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords 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 does not fade away.
1 Peter 5:5–7 (NKJV)
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
4. Just like I've been mentioning before, Peter's main goal in writing this letter wasn't to lay out a set of moral rules for Christians. It was something different altogether. His real aim was to uplift and give courage to the disciples who were spread out across Asia Minor. And he wanted to explain why the disciples live like Jesus. His aim was all about the motivation in Jesus Christ.
So, when he started off, his priority was to shed light on Jesus Christ and the hardships He endured. Peter believed that the suffering he himself was facing had a greater purpose – it was connected to the advancement of God's kingdom. Peter's thought process was like this: since Jesus had to go through suffering, it only made sense that Peter would also face trials. It was almost like a natural consequence, given the path that Jesus had walked.
The idea was that Peter's own suffering was linked to the suffering of Jesus, and that connection was intertwined with the purpose of God's kingdom. So, in a way, it wasn't about setting strict codes of conduct like a rulebook. It was about connecting his own challenges to the legacy of Jesus and understanding that these hardships were somehow part of the bigger picture of God's plan.
5. Therefore, the initial and foremost duty of the elders within the church – that place where people come together – was to bear witness to the suffering of Jesus according to Peter. Their primary task wasn't about taking charge and leading the congregation with a firm hand and charismatic leadership. It was about something deeper. Instead of being these charismatic leaders who controlled everything, their role was more about sharing the story of Jesus' suffering.
1 Peter 5:1–2 NLT
And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
6. When we reflect on Peter's journey today, it's quite clear that he wasn't exactly a model disciple during the time when Jesus was carrying out His ministry here on Earth. Back then, Peter seemed to struggle with grasping Jesus' intentions and actions. It's like he didn't quite get what Jesus was all about and what He was trying to do.
Matthew 16:21–22 M:BCL
Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, “Impossible, Master! That can never be!”
Matthew 16:23 M:BCL
But Jesus didn’t swerve. “Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works.”
Matthew 26:74–75 (NIV)
Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.
7. If we look at Peter's early days, he just didn't fully grasp the significance of Jesus' ministry and purpose. And then, when it came to the crucifixion of Christ, Peter actually denied knowing Him. It's almost like he couldn't come to terms with the idea of Jesus undergoing suffering. Maybe he had this expectation that Jesus would establish this mighty kingdom of God right then and there, and that He'd overthrow Roman rule with some divine power.
But reality hit him hard when he saw Jesus hanging on that Cross. It's like he was taken aback by this turn of events. In his efforts to avoid suffering and death, he ended up denying his association with Jesus. It's as if he didn't want to be linked to Jesus in those moments of trial and hardship. It's a reminder of how human and flawed Peter was, not being able to fully embrace the path that Jesus was on.
8. As we already know, a major transformation happened in Peter's life when he was filled with the Holy Spirit. It's quite a turnaround. After that incident where he denied knowing Jesus, something clicked within him. With the Holy Spirit within him, he underwent this incredible change. Peter, who once shied away from acknowledging Jesus, was now boldly proclaiming and witnessing the work of Christ.
It's like he became a whole new person. The Holy Spirit ignited this fire within him, and he began sharing what he himself had experienced in front of others. He was driven by this newfound confidence and guided by the Holy Spirit to speak about his own actions and experiences in relation to Jesus. It's pretty amazing how a person can go from denying to openly testifying all because of that spiritual transformation.
Acts 2:14–16 NKJV
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
Acts 2:22–24 NKJV
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
9. Now Peter is addressing the topic of Jesus' suffering in his letter. He is putting it out there that we should actually find a way to embrace and even find joy in the kind of suffering that Jesus went through. It's pretty deep stuff. But then he turns his focus towards the elders – the folks who hold a leadership role within the church. He is saying that these elders have a responsibility. But it's not about being the head of the church; it is about something more profound. They are meant to unpack the significance of Jesus' suffering for the congregation they serve. They are like guides, helping others understand the intricate workings of God.
And when Peter brings up "caring for the flock," it is not about bossing people around or being the ultimate authority. No, it is more about setting an example. Elders should show what it means to be faithful, to truly worship, and to be dedicated disciples. They're like role models, showcasing how it is done in terms of faith, worship, and discipleship. It is all about leading by example rather than just calling the shots.
1 Peter 5:2–4 NLT
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
For the church leadership, we should love Jesus and follow His way. And because we love Jesus, we should love the church which is the body of Jesus.
I love thy kingdom, Lord, the house of thine abode, the church our blest Redeemer saved with his own precious blood.
10. Back when I was a youth pastor in Korea, I had this firsthand experience with a church situation that left a deep impact on me. There was a church that went through a serious division – a split – all because of the appointment of some new elders. Initially, these elders seemed genuinely devoted and full of faith. But things took a drastic turn once they got into their roles. Once they were officially in the position of elders, something changed.
They shifted from being sincere to pushing their own desires and agendas onto the church. It was like they wanted to take control of everything – the church, the pastors – and their behavior became more about manipulation than genuine leadership. Unfortunately, their actions led to disagreements and conflicts that rippled through the church community. And as you might imagine, the consequences were severe. The unity of the congregation was shattered, and people started leaving the church in droves. This was a community that had over 2,000 members at one point, but due to the internal strife and disputes, it all came crashing down. It is really sad to think about how a once-thriving church ended up closing its doors due to these destructive dynamics.
11. A key point to remember for us is that elders, pastors, and all those in leadership positions within the church should operate from a place of service, not control. Our role, as church leaders, is to set a positive example for the church community. It's not about asserting authority to make the church bigger or better, but rather about communicating the profound teachings of Jesus and His suffering. We, as church leadership, have a responsibility to inspire the congregation to maintain their identity as disciples of Jesus. And this teaching is not only for church leadership. This teaching is for the whole church, congregation. God does not call us to be served. God chose us to serve. So, I would like to use this word, “Servantship,” instead of leadership. Jesus is the only leader for the church and the world and we are his co-workers, his servant. For the students who were baptized today, you should remember that the meaning of baptism for us is not being a leader but a servant and a follower of Jesus Christ so that you made a decision today to declare your new identity in Jesus and to the church.
Therefore, our focus should be on nurturing that connection and ensuring it doesn't fade away. Above all, the most vital things which we should remember is that as the church leadership, we can and should encourage the believers’ community with the love of God and the magnificence of Jesus. It's not about our own recognition or fame. It's about cultivating an environment of mutual love and respect within the church. Our ultimate goal is to serve, to care, and to foster a sense of togetherness within the congregation.
Romans 13:8 ESV
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
12. Let's be the shining examples for one another in the realm of God's kingdom. Our mission should be to share love and kindness, which in turn spreads the word of God and the love that Jesus exemplified. We can truly make a difference by fostering this atmosphere of mutual care. In the face of challenges and difficulties, let's rally together and support each other to overcome these hurdles. Remember, we're not alone – we are the church, the very embodiment of Jesus Christ.
That unity empowers us to love, serve, and uplift each other, all because of the presence of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will always be there and with us to guide us, to give us direction and strength. It is all in the service of God's kingdom. Let's raise our voices in praise for this wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact. Praise the Lord!