1 Peter 5:1-4 – Be a servant leader

In verses 1-4, Peter gave instructions for the elders. He did not exert his position but saw himself as one leader among leaders of equal. What he had done by putting himself on par with them was to let them know that he was also a fellow sufferer, and not one who was just giving advice as a bystander. Here, Peter also used the word “witness”. In calling himself a witness, he made reference to his experience in the suffering of Christ and the partaker of the glory to be revealed. This formed the basis for his instruction to them. 

His instruction revealed his prime concern for the people of God. It was for the elders to take care of the believers as shepherds would care for their sheep. Thus he called the Church, the flock of God. The word “shepherd” also indicates a role an elder had to play, i.e. the role of a pastor. An elder, as a shepherd, should tend to the need of the flock. He must feed, lead, guide, guard, protect and provide for the sheep. Here, Peter also showed them how they should go about it.   

Firstly, in verse 2, he told them to serve willingly and not grudgingly. For this is God’s will on how an elder should serve. God desires that an elder should discharge his duties willingly for Him. He should not do it due to other considerations or pressure. When the ministry of the pastor is discharged with a willing attitude, the ministry becomes a joy and not a drag.

Secondly, an elder should also serve with enthusiasm and not with selfish motive. An elder should not serve because of what he could get out of his ministry, but because of his love for his Lord. This suggests to us that even in the Church then, elders did receive monetary reward. Hence, there was temptation regarding money.

Thirdly, in verse 3, elders should lead by providing examples on how to conduct godly lives. They should show by modeling godly lifestyles. They must not drive the people as tyrants. Essentially, Peter was dealing with three flaws that elders could commit: laziness, greed, and tyranny.

Finally, Peter wanted the elders to know that they were only under-shepherds serving under Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd. Peter’s desire was for the elders to perform excellent and faithful services so that when the Chief Shepherd returned, they would be rewarded with the crown of glory, a glory that would never fade. 

All of us are leaders in a sense because leadership is about influencing others for the better. At some level, we will be influencing others, and we need to come to whatever role we are required to play, with Christ-like attitude. Christ was a servant leader and so must we. Like Him we must lead by serving in whatever capacity He had endowed us.