Elders

1 Peter 5:1-7

In view of Peter’s exhortation to elders in this week’s sermon text, I asked our elders at The Bridge to share their reflections on this passage and what serving as an Elder or “under shepherd” means to them. Here is what they said.

Our Identity as Shepherds Under Christ

Tom Helfrich:

“I like the fact that the passage says we are shepherding God’s flock. It reminds me when Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love me? Then feed MY sheep.’ We belong to Him. We are His. We are called to be shepherds, eager and willing to serve as examples to the flock. We have so many in our church that do this. It is such an encouragement and blessing to see. Thankful to be a part of God’s flock at the Bridge.”

Pastor Jon:

“If the Chief Shepherd cares so deeply for His sheep and His under shepherds, then we should take each other seriously and act humbly toward each other, evermore minding the Mighty Hand of the Good Shepherd overseeing what is for all of our good.”

Shepherding in Community

Pastor Steven:

“Specifically, being one of many elders at the Bridge means I am not alone in my shepherding and spiritual oversight of people. The Chief Shepherd shepherds us all and as an under shepherd there are others shepherding alongside me and shepherding me. It’s always a joyful thing to witness the Lord leading His people to green pastures and still waters and restore their souls. When we get to be eyewitnesses of His work, our awe of God grows and our love for His people increases.”

Alex Pfister:

“It takes many people to run a church, from pastors and staff to volunteers and elders, to of course, the congregation. God gives us each special talents and it’s been rewarding to work with the other Elders and see their specific gifts. From knowing just the right words to say, to leading gracefully, to providing financial stewardship, it’s an example of how God calls us to shepherd and be shepherded to.”

Faithful Stewardship of God’s People

Dan Nickel:

Elders are necessary for “shepherding the church at the institutional level in a responsible manner and at an individual level that allows for human flourishing and the spreading of the Gospel.”

Personal Growth and Gratitude in the Role

Alex Pfister:

“Our family is an extension of this, so being put into an Elder role is a reminder for me, my wife, and kids to live in a way that is pleasing to God, though we are certainly not perfect in doing that. I’m grateful to Martha as she provides me counsel and wisdom to help lead the church, which has been rewarding for us to go through together.”

Matt Phelps: 

“It’s an honorable yet serious thing to be an under shepherd.  So, for me it’s a call to share the same love and grace that Christ Jesus our Chief Shepherd, gives me daily.”

In this small portion of 1 Peter, he lays out expectations for both elders and the church. The qualities he highlights are important for us to reflect on. 

“Be shepherds…willingly…eager to serve…not pursuing dishonest gain nor lording your position over those entrusted to you but be examples to the flock. In the same way, those who aren’t elders, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, be humble toward one another. Humble yourselves before God. Cast your anxiety on God because He cares for you.”

That sounds like the life Jesus led-the example He gave us- faithfully serving in humility, even unto death. 

While our default mode is seldom to lay down our lives in humility, trusting ourselves to the care of the Lord, another Apostle tells us this is actually possible because of the Holy Spirit. “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” As we contemplate His glory through the text this week, will you humbly ask God to stir up your love for Him and to transform you into his image with ever-increasing glory? 

Thank you to Pastor Steven, Pastor Jon, Tom Helfrich, Dan Nickel, Alex Pfister, and Matt Phelps for your thoughts, but more importantly for the prayerful care you give to leading Christ’s church and His people here at The Bridge. 

May Christ be magnified in all of us.

Natalie