The church as God's family - what does leadership look like?

Peter describes leadership as Jesus led. A good pastor does not lead by exercising power and imposing rules. A good pastor is like a father to the household of God. He sets a good example.

This is very beautifully put into words by Peter in 1Petr.5:2-3.

'Take care of the flocks of God whose shepherds you are; shepherd them as God wills: not by compulsion, but voluntarily, not for profit, but with devotion. Do not play master over those entrusted to your care, but be an example to the flock.'

Good example begets good followers. Living out one's own beliefs in such a way that it inspires and invites others to follow. Paul also emphasizes setting an example (1Tim.4:6-16). We read the core of Paul's message to Timothy in 1Tim.4:12, "be an example to the believers by word and conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Be an example, in words and deeds, but also in disposition, in love, in faith and in purity.

How can you be such an example?

First, Paul says: be formed by the words of faith (4:6). The words of faith, i.e., the message of Jesus, is like the breeding ground, the earth into which we are implanted and from which we receive our spiritual food. Secondly, in verse 7 and 8, he says that Timothy must exercise himself, train himself in eusebeia, in godliness, in faithful living. Be disciplined in daily prayer and Bible reading. Take care of yourself, of your own spiritual life. And then he says: It

is to make our progress, our growth in faith, visible to all (4:15). How can others see that? Others can only see that when you are transparent, when you are an open letter that others can read. When you speak openly about your own worries and struggles and how you deal with them. When you care about yourself and your teaching, Paul says (in vs.16), you save yourself and those who listen to you. As a shepherd, you are no more than the other believers. You just have a different job.

This article is part of the article "Leadership in the church of the NT" from Study Bible magazine. View here the entire article (pdf).

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