- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
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- 17,520
22 May 2008
Word on the Web
1 Peter 5 v 1-5
Now I have something to say to the elders in your group. I also am an elder. I have seen Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be shown to us. I beg you to shepherd God's flock, for whom you are responsible. Watch over them because you want to, not because you are forced. That is how God wants it. Do it because you are happy to serve, not because you want money. Do not be like a ruler over people you are responsible for, but be good examples to them. Then when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, comes, you will get a glorious crown that will never lose its beauty.
In the same way, younger people should be willing to be under older people. And all of you should be very humble with each other.
"God is against the proud,
but he gives grace to the humble." - Proverbs 3:34
Being a leader in the Church is not always easy and not always pleasant. The challenges, the responsibility can be very hard work. But in my experience it is also hugely rewarding. As a minister, I get to see people in their moments of greatest elation and deepest pain, and to share with them in all of that. It is an enormous privilege.
Leadership was not something I originally sought out. My wife and I had been married for just under a year when we were asked if we would take on a youth group at church. God had been preparing us for this (though we didn't know it at the time) and was faithful in providing all we needed to develop into this role. We have learned much more over the years about how to both be a leader and a servant of those we lead. We don't do it for our sake, but to humbly draw others closer to God and free them to be the people God would have them be.
How are you serving God? Is there some new way in which you can take an initiative that will help others come closer to God? That's all leadership is, really.
Guiding God, lead me in the paths I should follow. If you want me to share in leadership of Your people, please show me the right opportunities and equip me to do the work You have for me. And keep my attitudes pure, that I may always seek to serve You with humility and point others to You, not to me. Amen.
Word on the Web
1 Peter 5 v 1-5
Now I have something to say to the elders in your group. I also am an elder. I have seen Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be shown to us. I beg you to shepherd God's flock, for whom you are responsible. Watch over them because you want to, not because you are forced. That is how God wants it. Do it because you are happy to serve, not because you want money. Do not be like a ruler over people you are responsible for, but be good examples to them. Then when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, comes, you will get a glorious crown that will never lose its beauty.
In the same way, younger people should be willing to be under older people. And all of you should be very humble with each other.
"God is against the proud,
but he gives grace to the humble." - Proverbs 3:34
Being a leader in the Church is not always easy and not always pleasant. The challenges, the responsibility can be very hard work. But in my experience it is also hugely rewarding. As a minister, I get to see people in their moments of greatest elation and deepest pain, and to share with them in all of that. It is an enormous privilege.
Leadership was not something I originally sought out. My wife and I had been married for just under a year when we were asked if we would take on a youth group at church. God had been preparing us for this (though we didn't know it at the time) and was faithful in providing all we needed to develop into this role. We have learned much more over the years about how to both be a leader and a servant of those we lead. We don't do it for our sake, but to humbly draw others closer to God and free them to be the people God would have them be.
How are you serving God? Is there some new way in which you can take an initiative that will help others come closer to God? That's all leadership is, really.
Guiding God, lead me in the paths I should follow. If you want me to share in leadership of Your people, please show me the right opportunities and equip me to do the work You have for me. And keep my attitudes pure, that I may always seek to serve You with humility and point others to You, not to me. Amen.
