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The apostle Peter was a big believer in repetition to get his message through (just look at the words remind you, refresh your memory, and remember these things in 2 Peter 1:13-15). As pastors who are in the pastures of ministry every single day, it’s good for us to be frequently reminded of the duties of our calling. So, who better do to this than the apostle Peter; or, as he called himself: “a fellow elder” (1 Peter 5:1).
Peter’s repetition to pastors comes after he tells them, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them” (1 Peter 5:2). Then in verses 2 and 3, Peter repeats a pattern three times to remind shepherd leaders of what Christ-honoring shepherding looks like. The phrase is: “not … but….”
(1) “NOT because you must, BUT because you are willing” (v. 2).
This contrasts a “get to” attitude with a “have to” attitude. If we have a “have to” attitude about tending to the sheep in our pasture, we will ultimately end up trying to coerce the sheep to follow us. Jesus said worldly leaders use their authority to “lord it over” the people around them, but He calls His leaders to be servants (Luke 22:25–27).
Shepherding is NOT a duty, BUT a delight.
(2) “NOT pursuing dishonest gain, BUT eager to serve” (v. 2).
The KJV says this very graphically: not for filthy lucre. Shepherds are not supposed to be bottom-line, profit-motivated workers. To think something like, “I don’t get paid enough to do this,” is to say, “I’m only here for the paycheck.” The AMPC renders this verse, “Not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits belonging to the office, but eagerly and cheerfully.” The true shepherd knows that the true rewards come from the Chief Shepherd only after the flock is brought Home.
Shepherding is NOT for temporal rewards, BUT to hear the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
(3) “NOT lording it over those entrusted to you, BUT being examples to the flock” (v. 3).
Our shepherding should NOT be, “Do as I say,” BUT always, “Do as I do.” Again, the AMPC captures it well: “Not domineering—as dictatorial and overbearing persons—but being examples, patterns, and models of Christian living to the flock.” Shepherd leaders seek the Holy Spirit’s help to be gentle, patient, and creative with the flock under their care.
Shepherd leaders must always remember, “These are NOT my sheep, BUT they are Christ’s.”
We shepherd NOT to get temporary rewards and recognition here, BUT to know the Master’s eternal rewards and approval in Heaven.
I invite you to check out three of my books to help shepherd leaders:
- Shepherd Leadership: The metrics that really matter
- When Sheep Bite: Help for shepherds who may have experiences the painful bites
- Amen Indeed: Prayers for pastoral effectiveness
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