Following Peter's Example

[mmenke]

In 1 Peter the same call that Peter was given by Jesus is transmitted to "fellow elders" of the early church. Peter was called to feed Jesus' sheep and to eventually follow Jesus all the way to Peter's ultimate sacrifice of his life. Likewise Peter counsels the elders addressed to "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care" (1 Pet 5:2).

Here I see that Peter is passing on to church leaders the lessons he has so well learned from the Chief Shepherd. Lessons of serving willingly, not being an overbearing, harsh leader, but rather one who serves out of love, showing an honest example of self sacrifice. Once again the shepherd motif calls all of us to an approach to leadership that is unique in our self-serving world.