Shepherding God's Flock
5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
1 Peter 5:1-4
Zechariah 13:7 says, strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. This is a prophecy of what will happen to Christ and his disciples, but it’s also just a principle of Church life. Peter knows that Churches can often rise and fall on the life of their elders.
Sadly, across history, there have been too many examples of Pastor/Shepherd/Elders (I think these terms are synonymous) who have pursued dishonest gain or have lorded their power over God’s people. Bad behaviour always gets more press attention than good.
However, for all the bad examples, there are many many more I think, of pastors who have genuinely sought to shepherd God’s flock with love, gentleness, wisdom and patience.
I’ve been a pastor for 8 years now (as of 2025) and I can testify, this is the hardest job I’ve ever had to do. Particularly in the times we live in now where you need to be part organisational leader, part social worker, part life-coach and part Bible teacher. And there is very little clocking-off because there’s always more you could do and always something happening in the lives of your flock.
I’m not complaining though. I didn’t plant a Church because I must, but because I was willing. And I still am today. I’m thankful that I get to do God’s work. I’m even more encouraged by this passage. I may get weary and sometimes my head hangs low, but one day there will be a crown of glory that will never fade.
Today:
Pray:
1 Peter 5:1-4
Zechariah 13:7 says, strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. This is a prophecy of what will happen to Christ and his disciples, but it’s also just a principle of Church life. Peter knows that Churches can often rise and fall on the life of their elders.
Sadly, across history, there have been too many examples of Pastor/Shepherd/Elders (I think these terms are synonymous) who have pursued dishonest gain or have lorded their power over God’s people. Bad behaviour always gets more press attention than good.
However, for all the bad examples, there are many many more I think, of pastors who have genuinely sought to shepherd God’s flock with love, gentleness, wisdom and patience.
I’ve been a pastor for 8 years now (as of 2025) and I can testify, this is the hardest job I’ve ever had to do. Particularly in the times we live in now where you need to be part organisational leader, part social worker, part life-coach and part Bible teacher. And there is very little clocking-off because there’s always more you could do and always something happening in the lives of your flock.
I’m not complaining though. I didn’t plant a Church because I must, but because I was willing. And I still am today. I’m thankful that I get to do God’s work. I’m even more encouraged by this passage. I may get weary and sometimes my head hangs low, but one day there will be a crown of glory that will never fade.
Today:
- Do you pray for your pastor?
- Is there something I (or your pastor) could be doing better? Let me know!
- How could you encourage/support your pastor in their shepherding?
Pray:
- Praise the Father that he provides his people with Shepherds.
- Give thanks for Jesus who is our Chief Shepherd.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help the shepherds of God’s flock.
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