Peter's Leadership

One of the greatest passages of scripture that has helped me understand effective leadership is 1 Peter 5:2-3. The Bible uses a powerful metaphor followed by three key attitudes that communicate to the heart of leadership.

“Be shepherds of the God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

Notice the metaphor of the shepherd taking care of his flock as a compassionate overseer. I have never taken care of sheep, but I understand that they are not the smartest animals in the world. They tend to exist within a herd mentality – where one goes they all go, following without question and even in the face of danger (even over a cliff, if you can get the first sheep to jump). I am impressed with the responsibility upon the shepherd. He is to take care and provide direction for the flock. As an overseer, the shepherd is to guide, provide, and protect his sheep. Indeed, the shepherd is a servant to the welfare of the animals. He is a servant of God whose main duty is to look after the safety and growth of the sheep. The sheep have been placed under his care and represent God’s flock – this is not something to be taken lightly and the loss of one lamb is a big deal because each member of the flock has been assigned to the shepherd by God himself.

The three key attitudes are so relevant for 21st century America. The first is a volitional attitude. “Be shepherds….not because you must, but because you are willing.” Leadership should not be a dirge or the goad that pricks our agitation. Rather the opportunity to be used as a servant leader should motivate us and inspire us to yield ourselves to the call of God. Excitement or drudgery… a job or a ministry…obligation or calling…obedience or enthusiasm.

The second key involves motivation. “Be shepherds….not greedy for money, but eager to serve.” Servant leadership in a capitalistic society seems to go against the American dream - work hard and seek your fortune. As an individual who has reached the position of leader (shepherd), many feel that salary, benefit packages, and perks should reflect the amount of responsible that must be borne. The paying of one’s dues in an organization and demonstrating years of loyalty and commitment should result in a comfortable wage and a full money clip in the pocket. Peter shares that it must be the intrinsic motivation of service that feeds the fire of leadership, not the pot of gold attached to a title of importance. Being a shepherd is not easy, in fact it can be downright painful. A call to serve others is to find yourself being stretched, burdened, and spent. Time, energy, sweat, creativity, more time, and resources are all required often without recognition or thanks. Only the inner drive to serve others makes being a shepherd rewarding.

The third key involves authority and power. The shepherd has the power to beat his animals into submission and abuse those under his care, but scripture exhorts leaders to “Be shepherds ….not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” Some leaders walk into their offices with their names and titles written on their doors and desks. The business cards in their wallets reflect their high positions of power. Their cell phones ring with the tones of authority available only to a small group of powerful colleagues. And then the leader seems oblivious as to why his/her example has such a demoralizing effect on others. The exhortation of Peter is be an example: How do I respond to a peer, a new employee, my secretary, the custodian, one who has made a mistake, an irate complainer, my boss? How does grace and compassion flow from my authority? What is the evidence in my life that I desire to serve others? Do I strive for power or for compassion; authority or authenticity; exaltation or example?

Lots for me to think about!