This teaching on 1 Peter 5:1-4 was given by pastor Barry Forder on the 13th September 2020 at Calvary Chapel Portsmouth.
In this final chapter of Peter’s first letter, Peter starts by addressing the elders of the local congregations, reminding them of their primary responsibility – to give spiritual food to the congregation God has entrusted to their care.
Peter highlights that they are not do serve out of a sense of worldly obligation, as if they had been pressed-ganged into the role, but out of love for Christ – the only real reason for any ministry.
Neither are they to serve with their eye on what they might gain in this life, but knowing that by forsaking the pleasures of this life there awaits them a far more precious and eternal reward.
Alarmingly, in a recent report*, almost one third of pastors have considered, or are considering quitting the role. This is not to say that they are walking away from ministry, but rather that many now feel that serving as a pastor is no longer the most effective use of their time and resources.
In this final chapter, Peter exhorts pastors and elders to continue in the light that the ‘Chief Shepherd’ is soon to be returning and will reward those who have continued to serve faithfully.
Just as Paul urged the young pastor Timothy, now is not the time to quit, but to stand strong in the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please pray for and encourage your pastor and elders. The unseen pressures and burdens they carry are greater than they will ever tell you.
*https://churchanswers.com/blog/six-reasons-your-pastor-is-about-to-quit/
