In 1 Peter 5, Apostle Peter addressed two specific groups of people: the elders and the younger. Each group has its roles and responsibilities. We too have our calling, responsibility and duty that God has entrusted upon us. There will be challenges for each group. The problems of the younger and the leaders are submission to authority, and abuse of authority, laziness and accountability, respectively. 1 Peter 5:1-4 focuses on “the elders” which can apply to both a church leader and one who is spiritually more mature. Elders, pastors and bishops describe the same office. In B-P churches, a distinction is made between the ruling elders (who govern the church) and the teaching elders (the pastors).

Three points regarding the responsibility, calling and service of a church elder:

1) The basis and motivation of our service (1 Pet 5:1): Do not covet for a church leadership position. Peter was called to be a leader by God. This calling is a privilege and not to be undertaken with pride. The root word for “partaker” (v1) is the same as that for fellowship and has the idea of companionship and partnership. We are witnesses of the sufferings of Christ, and we have a cross to carry too. Will we obey and follow God’s call? We do not have to be in the office of an elder to serve God. The basis and calling of our service is Christ.

2) The roles and duties of our service (1 Pet 5:2-3): It is to feed the flock, i.e. to shepherd, to tend to and to guide/lead/direct the flock (the congregation). In John 10:15, Jesus Christ was described as our good Shepherd and contrasted to the hireling. Christ sets the example for us. Do God’s leaders know the flock, its needs and struggles? “Oversight” (v2) implies care and protection. The end/ purpose/goal is to edify (to build up) God’s flock. “Constraint” (v2) means to be compelled, to be in dread. To be of a “ready mind” (v2) describes promptness; and “being lords” (v3) is to exercise power over, putting others down, pulling ranks, demeaning others. It warns against the abuse of one’s authority. “God’s heritage” describes God’s portion (i.e. what belongs to God, the flock of God). We must not serve with pride and complacency.

3) The accountability and reward of our service (1 Pet 5:4): This is the charge that God has entrusted upon us and the promise of reward. What comforts us is that one day, our Chief Shepherd will appear. We will hear His comforting and encouraging voice that He is pleased. He will praise and receive us.

Ask the Lord to guide you. Serve Him faithfully. Feed the flock.