The Responsibilities Of A Pastor (I Peter 5:1-3)
-Considering a pastor’s priorities (1-the Lord, 2-his wife, 3-his children, 4-the church he leads), we are reminded that the individual concerns/issues of a member of the flock may slip to a lower priority in his life. This is not a lack of concern, but an admission that he will not be all things to all people at all times. This can produce feelings of disappointment and/or disapproval in him. We must admit that the feelings do exist, can occur in a variety of circumstances, and the awareness of this reality compels us to remember the Lord’s expectations of the pastor, and submit our feelings and deny our self-interests in light of God’s Word.
-Before considering the text of I Peter 5, consider the Holy Spirit’s consistent/repetitive message of the elder’s responsibilities:
-Acts 6:4 – a complaint of favoritism arises within the church, threatens the health and unity of the church, and potentially distracts the apostles from their essential duties (prayer and the Word) in this newborn flock. The apostles commit themselves to Lord’s priorities, propose a solution that recognizes the people and gifts present in the body, and the problem is resolved, the church unified, and disciples continue to be produced, including many from among the priesthood. The apostles were not arrogant or elitist; they were focused.
-Eph 4:11-12 – The Lord not only gives gifts to the church, but also gifted leaders. These leaders equip the saints to do the work of ministry. “Equip” in this context means to restore someone to his/her created/redemptive purpose; to outfit or make complete. These equipped believers do the work of ministry, build up the body in love, grow up in the knowledge of the Son of God, and are no longer babes tossed around by every clever or deceptive idea. Christ is invested and reproduced in others; disciples of Jesus are multiplied.
-I Tim 5:17 – Elders are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the Word and doctrine; preaching and teaching. “Labor” refers to exhaustion or fatigue. Pastors who love the Lord will do this; exhaustion is not unusual. Panic is unnecessary when the pastor needs time to rest. It is essential to recognize this and partner with the elders to relieve them when necessary. These are the elders we should want. They are gifts from God.
-Hebrews 13:7,17 – Those whom God gives us to lead are spiritual men who speak and teach the Word, and establish a pattern of faith for others to follow.
I Peter 5:1-3
-As a fellow elder rather than a high church official, Peter urges pastors to shepherd the flock, feed them, teach the Word, encourage the congregation with God’s Word, and protect the congregation with God’s Word. Every elder must be able to teach the Word. He must skillfully unpack the doctrines of Scripture in simplest terms, giving every member of the body an opportunity to form a biblical worldview in their thinking and lifestyle. We do not force the teaching to have limited appeal to the heady, or more academically-minded members.
-The elders serve as spiritual overseers to the flock, willingly and eagerly, and lead by example. Their divine purpose promotes urgency and shuns laziness and indifference.
-Peter speaks of sordid gain, reminding us of the common bond linking all false leaders. The three temptations confronting every elder are: (1) laziness/indifference (2) dishonest finances (3) demagoguery (“not as overlords”). The elder is not a dictator. He does not have final say on any matter. He is not a prince. He is not a professional. He is called, gifted, and chosen by God. He must shepherd under the authority of Christ’s lordship and the Spirit’s power. He is accountable to the Lord, as mediated through the Lord’s church.
-He does not dominate, manipulate, or intimidate. His life is an open book; viewed from any and every angle, we can observe the same man in all settings. He is an example, approachable and accessible.
-So we must pray for him. Encourage him. Hold him accountable to God’s high and holy standard. When disagreements or grievances occur, they must be handled lovingly, respectfully, and always privately.
-Consider Hebrews 13:17. Our joy and satisfaction in Christ are directly linked to our pastor’s joy in satisfaction in Christ. Grief within him will multiply grief in the flock. Joy within him will multiply the joys of the flock. “for you”….informs us that our personal spiritual well-being is connected to our respect, submission, and spiritual partnership with the pastor. We should do everything possible to maximize his joy.