Ten Things to Remember

Based on 1 Peter 5:1–11, I've developed a survival list of ten important things for church leaders to remember. Obviously, these concepts are not limited to 1 Peter, but I love the flow of this passage and the bookends of Jesus' headship and God's glory:

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Ten things to remember, according to this passage:
  1. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd.
  2. Leaders are entrusted to shepherd the flock.
  3. Leaders lead by example, willing and eager.
  4. Don’t expect a lot of accolades in this life.
  5. Model godly submission.
  6. The humble will rise; the proud will fall.
  7. The enemy is seeking leaders to devour.
  8. Expect some suffering and difficulty.
  9. God restores, confirms, strengthens, and establishes you in Jesus.
  10. All glory and dominion belong to God.

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