The Example of Elders

We are fortunate to have three qualified and capable elders at North Main. In 1 Peter 5, Peter describes the role of elders in the church as those who “shepherd the flock of God” (v. 2). Elders have a great responsibility to care for, lead, and protect every soul in the congregation. As difficult as this task may sometimes be, the original recipients of Peter’s first letter were Christians who were enduring or had faced great persecution, spiritual distress, and even discouragement.

Imagine how hard it would be to “shepherd the flock of God” under these extreme circumstances; the work of elders would never be so difficult or so necessary. Trials, worldly temptations, and persecutions test the faith of Christians and the faithful leadership of elders who are to shepherd in a way, “proving to be examples to the flock” (v. 3). Peter encourages these men in the fourth verse, “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

In the same passage of scripture, Peter describes church members as “the flock of God.” We are to submit to the authority, leadership, and care of our elders, and we ultimately belong to God. We should find great comfort, especially during uncertain times, knowing that our souls are cared for by men who, according to God’s perfect plan, act as shepherds to His flock.

Matt Langfield