Dear Grace and Truth Church Cincinnati,
In our preparation for our text on Sunday in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, I want to ask that you simply read this following passage and hear the heart of a reflective shepherd (lower case "s") who loves his church family.
1 Peter 5:1-4 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the exhortation that the Apostle Peter gives to the elders/pastors is one that applies directly to the elders in our church. Notice that the exhortation comes by way of the acknowledgment of the sufferings of Christ. It is not a call to the greatness of a leader's stature, but to the suffering humility of our Savior.
Brothers and Sisters, the humility of Jesus is never going to be matched in the elders you have at GTCC. We readily acknowledge that, and yet we are consciously aware that a leader can only love the church when the sacrificial humility of Jesus is our goal. The exaltation of glory that comes for all of us, comes because Christ first humbled himself. We want to lead that way too. We need your help. We answer first to Christ and then to his church for our pursuit of sacrificial service to God's family. Please keep your elders accountable to this, and please keep your elders in prayer. Whenever you see a Christlike display of humility, please follow it.
Peter says that leadership in the church is not selfish, but selfless. That selfless leadership is to be a desired, willing, and intentional work among the flock. There is no way to see the eldership of a church as a board of directors. To be among the flock is to be hands on as a Shepherd in the midst of sheep - exactly what we see when look at Jesus in the gospels. Elders are to have a view of the church that compels them to love even when it's difficult.
Brothers and Sisters, we love you and want to serve you. I believe this is the sincere desire of every elder at GTCC. I've sat in our meetings as we have prayed fervently for you. I've seen us counsel individuals who need it most. I've seen our elders work in hospitality toward you, in encouragement of you, and in care over you. I've seen it as a corporate oversight and an individual intimate love. While I do see evidence of our elders serving well, I know we make mistakes, and unknowingly overlook needs. If you know evidence of that, please come and tell us so we can put it right. We don't love you out of compulsion but out of gratitude for the gospel hope we all have in Christ.
Peter makes a point of differentiating domineering leadership from the loving caring sacrificial leadership that should be on display in the church. The only way the right leadership happens in the church is if leaders are being examples that reflect Jesus.
Brothers and Sisters, we always want to point you to Jesus. One of the ways leaders are instructed to do this is to be living examples of him. Our elders are committed to teaching and preaching in a way that Jesus is front and center for all of us. We are not Jesus. We are men; brothers in the family of God just like you. May I please ask that you not forget to also point us to Christ too. If we are to lead as examples in Christ, we need your response by always pointing us in the same direction we are pointing you. Also, please encourage us by following Christ as you see any example of Jesus in us.
We want to "shepherd the flock" well.
We ask you to tell us when there is lack.
We ask you to forgive us when we err.
We ask you to follow us when you see Jesus.
We ask you to pray for us always.
We ask you to treat us like a fellow brother and sister in Christ.
We ask you to respond faithfully to the truth of Christ.
We ask you to respond obediently to the commands of Christ.
We ask you to work with us for the sake of Christ.
We love you!