1 Peter 5:1-5 – God gathers His people together because He knows sheep need a shepherd. In His wisdom, He calls leaders to imitate the chief Shepherd so they can serve as examples to the entire flock.
- Life is too challenging to attempt alone, so God gathers us in flocks under the care of shepherds (4:19-5:1).
- The call to ministry is a hybrid of suffering and glory every single day (5:1).
- “Shepherd” – Pastors are called to do what is necessary for a flock’s progression, provision, and protection (5:2).
- “Among you” – You can’t be called a shepherd if you don’t smell like sheep (5:2).
- “Willingly” – If someone talks you into ministry, the work alone will talk you out of it (5:2).
- “Eagerly” – If you enter the ministry for financial gain, you will either be disappointed or disqualified (5:2).
- “Examples” – The most helpful pastors are those you want to follow (5:3).
- The true rewards of ministry won’t be experienced in this life (5:4).
- A lack of humility among church members creates an abundance of church conflicts (5:5).
- Potential Ministers – If God has called you to the ministry, don’t settle for any other activity.
- Current Leaders – Seek God’s approval over any other’s affirmation.
- Curious Visitors – Don’t waste your imperfect life looking for a perfect church.
- Church Members – Beware of baptizing business behaviors or political precedents to impose them on the church.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
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