1 Peter – A Biblical Foundation for the Church Today Episode 5 – “The shepherds of God’s flock"

In this episode  we discover that the true foundation for leadership in the Church is not hierarchy or control, but humility, love, and service under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Transcript

Welcome back to A Biblical Foundation for the Church Today.

I’m Pastor Chris Lovell, and this is our final episode in the series on 1 Peter.

We’ve explored how the Church — the ekklesia, the called-out people of God — is built on the revelation of Christ, called to holiness, shaped into a spiritual house, and strengthened through suffering.

Today, we’ll close with 1 Peter 5:1–11, where Peter turns his attention to leadership — to the shepherds of God’s flock.

Here we discover that the true foundation for leadership in the Church is not hierarchy or control, but humility, love, and service under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

I love that Peter begins this section by identifying himself not as an apostle with superior rank, but as a “fellow elder.”

Here is a man who walked with Jesus, who saw Him transfigured and resurrected — yet he speaks not from position, but from partnership.

This is the heartbeat of true ekklesia leadership: serving with humility, not ruling with authority.

Peter’s words echo the example of Jesus in John 13, when the Lord took a towel and washed His disciples’ feet — saying,

“I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

That’s the kind of leadership that builds up the Church — leadership that stoops, listens, loves, and lifts others higher.

Peter says, “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you.”

Notice the language — “the flock of God.”

It’s not our flock; it’s His.

Leaders are caretakers, not owners; stewards, not masters.

This immediately eliminates the idea of authoritarian or hierarchical control. The flock doesn’t belong to pastors or boards — it belongs to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus.

Our role as leaders is to nurture, guide, and protect God’s people — not to dominate them.

A shepherd doesn’t drive sheep with fear; he or she leads them with trust.

He or she knows their names, understands their weaknesses, and walks with them through valleys.

That’s how Jesus leads — and that’s how every leader in the ekklesia is called to lead.

In practical terms, this means leadership must be relational, not positional.

We lead through connection, not coercion.

We gain influence by example, not by title.

When leaders care more about people than about power, the Church becomes a safe and flourishing place.

Peter warns against leading “by compulsion” or “for dishonest gain.”

True leadership isn’t about obligation or personal benefit — it’s about calling and compassion.

We serve because we love God’s people and long to see them mature in Christ.

The Church today can reflect this by encouraging leaders who are genuine shepherds — men and women with pastoral hearts, not corporate ambitions.

Leadership isn’t about climbing ladders; it’s about carrying crosses.

When leaders serve eagerly, not reluctantly, the joy of ministry becomes contagious, and the Church grows in health and vitality.

Peter continues:

“Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

This verse directly contrasts the world’s model of leadership with the Kingdom’s.

In the world, leaders often control outcomes and command obedience. But in the ekklesia, leaders influence through integrity and example.

Servant leadership is not soft; it’s sacred. It requires courage to lead with gentleness and consistency — to be the same person in private as in public.

The authority of the shepherd doesn’t come from a position, but from a life that reflects the heart of Christ.

When the Church sees leaders who walk humbly, forgive freely, and live transparently, it follows their example — not because they must, but because they want to.

That is the beauty of spiritual authority born out of love.

Peter lifts our eyes from earthly ministry to eternal reward:

“When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

Every leader in the Church serves under Jesus, the Chief Shepherd.

He is the source, standard, and sustainer of all true leadership.

Our goal is not recognition or applause, but to hear those words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The crown Peter describes is not a crown of achievement, but of faithfulness — a reward for those who love and lead like Jesus.

This reminder keeps our hearts humble.

We don’t lead for earthly reward or control; we lead because we’ve been entrusted with God’s treasure — His people.

Peter finishes with a call to everyone — not just leaders:

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (v.5)

Here Peter reveals the culture of the Kingdom: mutual submission under Christ.

Leadership and followership are both acts of humility.

In the ekklesia, no one is above another — all are under the same Lord.

We are clothed with humility, meaning it becomes the garment we wear in every relationship.

Humility disarms pride, heals conflict, and attracts grace.

Peter then says:

“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (v.6)

and

“Be sober, be vigilant… resist the devil, steadfast in the faith.” (v.8–9)

Why does Peter link humility and spiritual warfare?

Because pride opens the door to the enemy, but humility shuts it tight.

When leaders and members walk humbly, the enemy loses his foothold, and the Church stands firm in grace.

When the Church embraces servant-hearted leadership, several things happen:

The flock feels safe. People grow because they’re led by love, not fear.

The gifts of the Spirit flourish. Leaders make room for others to minister.

The Church becomes outward-focused. Healthy leadership equips others for mission.

Christ is exalted, not personalities. The spotlight shifts from human leaders to the Chief Shepherd.

This is how the ekklesia thrives — not through systems of control, but through communities of care.

As we close this series, let’s remember Peter’s final vision for the Church:

A humble people, led by humble leaders, following a humble King.

The ekklesia is not built on titles, but on trust.

It’s not sustained by control, but by compassion.

And it’s not defined by hierarchy, but by the heart of the Chief Shepherd — Jesus Christ.

When leaders lead with love, when members serve with joy, and when all walk in humility, the Church becomes a living reflection of God’s Kingdom on earth.

Thank you for joining me for this series, 1 Peter – A Biblical Foundation for the Church Today.

May we continue to build, lead, and serve in a way that honours Christ, the cornerstone and the Shepherd of our souls.