Study: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Sorry for posting this so late!

Last Wednesday evening, we gathered for prayer and study. Our text was from 1 Peter 5 and we made it through the first four verses.

As a bi-vocational pastor, this passage stirs up many thoughts and emotions for me. Our discussion on Wednesday led us through many of these thoughts.

First, there is a beauty found in the sovereignly-gifted church. God has filled the Body with pastors and teachers and gifted each person in order that we can all build one another up towards the fullness of Christ himself (see Ephesians). Peter exhorts the pastors to shepherd the flock out of selflessness and humility. The pastoral ministry is one of love, compassion, and work.

I am thankful for God's grace and power in my life. Prior to my conversion, I was very much introverted, unless there was a self-seeking reason to be otherwise. I didn't have any sense of earnest compassion for others and I would avoid contact if at all possible. I definitely did not desire to have empathy for others in their needs and struggles.

Immediately after my conversion, my whole life changed. The Lord did not simply open my eyes to see my need of redemption, but He opened my eyes to see that others needed the Gospel, that others needed encouragement, and that others needed to be fed from the Word of God. It was a complete change in my life, in my desires and personality.

Eventually, I found that my desires were to shepherd as a pastor. Now, after being in the pastoral ministry for over ten years, this passage from 1 Peter 5 still resonates with passion and power.

I am very grateful to God for all of the men whom have crossed my path by the sovereign plan and purpose of God. For the past eight years, Stan has been my partner in the ministry and has challenged me, encouraged me, and loved me. All of this has been needed. I am grateful for each member at Heritage, showing forth grace and love towards me, a pastor not worthy of this calling, but strengthened by God and by His people.

Last Wednesday we talked a lot about the dangers that are before many churches and pastors in this day and culture. Especially in Baptist churches, the pastoral ministry is very fragile. Often, pastors are only with a church for a few years before leaving. The ministry is often treated in a very corporate fashion, and is sometimes sought for monetary gain and personal pride rather than for an abiding love for the congregation.

But I am thankful for those whom I see serving out of a pure heart, not for sordid gain and not pridefully lording their position over the people. It is truly a labor of love and the reflection of the work of the Great Shepherd.