Crossroads Church

SOAP = Scripture Observation Application Prayer

James Brown

S: 1 Peter 5:1b-4 "As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly - not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor."

O: I think originally this section of 1 Peter was written to pastors and church leaders, but it is extremely relevant to every person who is in a leadership role - parent, teacher, coach, manager, team leader, and volunteer.

Sometimes, in the privacy of our own minds and hearts we wonder what life would be like if we didn't have to do X, Y, and Z. If I didn't...then, I wouldn't have to put up with these people...then, I wouldn't have to waste time explaining it again...then, I wouldn't have to be here right now.

But these verses say that whatever leadership role we find ourselves in...God, himself, has given it to us. More than that, he trusts that we will do the job...and do it well.

In other words, leading is not an obligation (to be filled out of guilt), but an honor.

However you happened to have them...it is an HONOR to lead the kids God has entrusted to your care. However they happened to end up in your department...it is an HONOR to lead that team as Project Manager. However I happened to end up as a pastor (the jury is still out on that one) at a church where "no perfect people are allowed"...it is my HONOR to "care for my flock...and watch over it willingly."
And it is.

A: The phrase "lead by example" is a very common leadership maxim. But for the Jesus-follower, it is the ONLY leadership style or strategy. Having a nice title does not make me a leader. A title enables me to oversee programs, but it is only my integrity that empowers me to shepherd people.

It is the ONLY way that Jesus led. And he took it so far he actually laid his life down for his flock.

How far am I willing to go to lead like Jesus?

How far am I willing to go to lead like Jesus:
-when it comes to my wife?
-when it comes to my child?
-when it comes to the team I have been entrusted to lead?
-when it comes to the people I have been called pastor?

How far am I willing to go...to carefully and courageously care for the flock(s) God trusts me with?

Far enough to lay down my life - my ego...my agenda...my interest in the outcome?

It's a hard question to answer when I have been entrusted with such a holy honor...

P: Jesus, help me to love my sheep and to lead them just like you would. Amen.

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