Not lording it over those entrusted to you

Hi Brothers,

I appreciate you reaching out and sharing your heart for the flock. It's a heavy responsibility, and I know you take it seriously. I want to talk with you about a verse that has been on my mind, especially as we both serve in leadership. It's 1 Peter 5:3, which says, "Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This verse is a cornerstone for all of us in ministry, and it speaks directly to the very nature of how we lead God's people.

The Pitfall of Lording

The phrase "lording it over" is a powerful one. It paints a picture of a leader who controls, dictates, and dominates. It's about a leadership style that is focused on an individual's will rather than on serving the people. When we become so convinced of our own position—whether it's about a specific translation of the Bible, a particular theological system, or a set of rules—we can start to "lord it over" others.

This is what I see happening when you insist on KJV onlyism, Verbal Plenary Preservation, and the Perfect TR. While these may be important convictions for you, when they become a requirement for everyone in the flock, you're no longer being a servant; you're becoming a master. You are, in essence, demanding that everyone conform to your image, to your theological system, and to your specific understanding of the Bible. This is the very thing Peter warns against. We aren't called to be kings, but shepherds.

The Power of Being an Example

In contrast to "lording it over," Peter calls us to be "examples to the flock." An example is someone who walks alongside others, demonstrating a life of faith, love, and humility. An example doesn't demand conformity; an example inspires imitation. When we lead with grace, we create space for people to grow in their own distinctiveness. God has created each of us with unique personalities, backgrounds, and ways of learning and understanding. When we ignore this distinctiveness and try to force everyone into a rigid mold, we're essentially trying to snuff out the very light that God has put in them.

Think of it like this: a shepherd doesn't force every sheep to look and act exactly the same. A shepherd guides the flock, ensuring they are safe and fed, but he allows each sheep to be a sheep. The divisions you're seeing in the church are likely a direct result of this pressure to conform. When people feel that their individuality is being ignored and that they are being judged for not holding the same beliefs as you on these specific issues, they feel suffocated, and it can extinguish their passion for God.

A Pastor's Primary Goal

A true pastor's primary goal is the good of the people, not the fulfillment of his own inflexible goals. While having convictions is vital, our methods must be rooted in love and grace. The flock is not a means to an end for us to prove our theological points. They are God's precious people, and our job is to nourish them, protect them, and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus.

I encourage you, brother, to re-examine your leadership style in light of this verse. Ask yourself: Am I being a loving shepherd or a domineering master? Are the people I lead being set free to be themselves in Christ, or are they being pressured to be like me? Let's be leaders who, in humility and grace, lead by example, so that the flock may flourish and experience the true freedom that is found in Jesus.