“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you” (1 Peter 5:2, NKJV) 

“I don’t need to be part of a local church.” Perhaps that’s something you’ve heard a fellow believer say, or have said yourself. But whatever led to that conclusion, it is contrary to the design of our Lord Jesus for the protection, maturity, and mobilization of His disciples. 

Peter identifies himself as an elder and addresses fellow elders who have the responsibility for the flock under their care. He urges elders to “shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers” (1 Pet. 5:2). 

An elder in Christ’s church must be a man of spiritual maturity and godly character. His role is that of shepherding the flock in the model of the chief Shepherd (John 10; Heb. 13:20-21). He carries out that role in three ways: by ministry of prayer and the Word and by personal example. 

Peter stresses that elders are to exercise their role not for self glory or personal gain but as servant leaders of those in their care. They are to act “not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to [them], but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2–3). 

What this means is that those set apart as elders must be constantly on guard against pride and arrogance, lest they abuse the flock. When Paul meets with the elders of the Ephesian church he calls them to faithful exercise of their charge, but he begins by having them look first to themselves. “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). 

There is not a double standard for shepherds and sheep. Both are under the same Lord. Only in that way can elders be effective examples so that the sheep can follow them as they follow Christ. 

Elders are not to exercise oversight for personal gain but that does not mean there is not gain to be had. Peter looks to living today with an eye to the glory to come. “When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (1 Pet. 5:4, cf. 5:1). 

REFLECTION: Elders learn motivation and method of shepherding by looking to the good Shepherd. 

Unless noted otherwise, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.