Foundations of Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG07

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F O U N D A T I O N S O F C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

affirms in 1 Peter 2.25, “you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” We emulate our Lord, even in our shepherding. And what is the promise given to those elders who fulfill their task in the manner prescribed by God? Peter ends our passage with the amazing claim: “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” For those elders who serve Christ faithfully by shepherding his flock, to them, when the Chief Shepherd , our Lord Jesus himself, appears, then from him (by implication) will the faithful elders receive the “ unfading crown of glory. ” What an amazing statement: Jesus himself, the Chief Shepherd will confer on his faithful elders the unfading crown for cherishing his little ones. Could there be a better, more higher, or more glorious motive for serving the people of God from the heart, according to the standard laid out by the great apostle Peter, our fellow elder in shepherding the people of God? In a day when leadership is seen as extraordinary giftedness for personal success, can we recapture the vision of Christian leadership as selfless sacrifice on behalf of the people of God, as shepherding the flock of God? This is our challenge, and our privilege–“shepherd the flock of God that is among you.” May God grant us the heart of a true elder, one whose whole life is spent protecting and caring for the little ones of Christ. After reciting and/or singing the Nicene Creed (located in the Appendix), pray the following prayer: Almighty Father, give to these your servants grace and power to fulfill their ministry. Make them faithful to serve, ready to teach, constant in advancing your gospel; and grant that, always having full assurance of faith, abounding in hope, and being rooted and grounded in love, they may continue strong and steadfast in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with you and your Holy Spirit, belong glory and honor, worship and praise, now and for ever.

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Nicene Creed and Prayer

~ George Appleton, ed. The Oxford Book of Prayer . Oxford/New York: Oxford University Press, 1988. p. 218