TEXT: 1 Peter 5:1–5
PREACHER: Pastor Mark Driscoll
DATE: May 3, 2009

Introduction

Key roles related to church leadership, as described in 1 Peter 5:1–5 and elsewhere in Scripture:

• Chief Shepherd: Jesus is the Senior Pastor of every Bible-believing church.
• First among equals: Elders/pastors should work within teams of peers, but a first among equals must take leadership responsibility for each team. Peter was a primary leader in the early church, but also a “fellow elder.”
• Shepherds: Overseers (pastors/elders) of the flock that is the church.
• Sheep: The congregation (including the pastors).
• Wolves: False teachers and divisive members of the congregation.

More on church leadership roles and structure: Acts 20:28–35; 1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9. Pastor Mark’s books Church Leadership and Vintage Church are a helpful resource.

What Does a Pastor Do?

Pastors are called to lead like Jesus, the Senior Pastor, as prophets, priests, and kings. Different pastors are better suited for each of these roles:

• Prophets are gifted communicators (preaching and writing) and “shepherd the flock” as a large group.

• Priests are gifted counselors and “shepherd the flock” on a more personal basis, working with individuals and small groups.
• Kings are gifted administrators who “exercise oversight” over the flock by ensuring good stewardship and sound leadership overall.

Threats to Pastoral Leadership

Peter identifies the most significant threats to pastoral leadership and, consequentially, the church.
 
Pastoral Duty (1 Peter 5:2)

• The office of pastor should be a calling of the Holy Spirit, not a duty imposed by man (1 Tim. 3:1).
• Ministry is a lifestyle, not an occupation.

Pastoral Greed (1 Peter 5:2)

• Ministry should not serve as a side business or an excuse to get a tax break.
• A church should compensate their pastor (1 Tim. 5:17–18), but the pastor must work for Jesus–not money.

Pastoral Power (1 Pet. 5:3)

• Pastors are to be under not just in authority.
• Pastors are to exercise influence (out of love) not control (out of fear).
• Pastors are to acknowledge that they are not in charge; Jesus is in charge.
• Pastors are to lead like Jesus: by selfless serving.

Pastoral Applause (1 Pet. 5:4)
If a Pastor desires to be popular with all people and have peace at all costs then he is fearing man and ultimately will not be fearing God. Glory, reward, and satisfaction come from Jesus–not from men.
 
Pastoral Pride (1 Pet. 5:5)

• All sin originates from pride.
• Pride is satanic (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28).
• Pride is repackaged as self-esteem, self-improvement, self-actualization, etc.
• God hates the proud, opposes the proud, and punishes the proud (Proverbs 8:13; 16:5, 18).

Humble Pastors

No one is humble except for God (Mark 10:45; Phil. 2:5–11). All we can say is, “I am a proud person pursuing humility by the grace of God.” Pastors pursuing humility…

• Turn their critics into coaches.
• Preach and practice repentance.
• Submit to godly authority.
• Learn as well as teach.
• Accept their place in the church, especially when it changes.
• Earnestly desire the growth and good of all churches.
• Rejoice in (rather than covet) evidences of God’s grace in other churches and pastors.
• Care more about Jesus’ name than their own name or their church’s name.

Recommended Reading: Humility, by C.J. Mahaney