When God Gives You Leaders

We often pray for good leaders.

We pray for men who will teach God’s Word, care for the church, make wise decisions, and lead well. But what happens when God actually gives us those leaders? Do we trust them enough to follow?

In 1 Peter 5, Peter speaks first to the elders. Their responsibility is to shepherd God’s flock. They are to lead willingly, eagerly, and by example, not by domineering over the people entrusted to them. The elders are not called to control the church; they are called to shepherd it.

And then Peter turns to the flock: “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.”

That means members have a responsibility too.

In a congregational church, we pray, discern, and entrust men with leadership. We don’t do this casually. We ask God for wisdom and seek men who meet the biblical qualifications. But once we have entrusted them with that responsibility, we also need humility to follow. Because we can pray for godly leaders and then refuse to be led by them. Peter’s answer is simple: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another.” Humility doesn’t mean we blindly agree with everything; God’s Word remains our highest authority. But when our elders are faithfully leading according to God’s Word, our response should not be constant suspicion or resistance. We should pray for them, trust them, support them, and follow them.

And when we disagree? We respond according to God’s Word, not gossip, not rebellion, not pride. God has given elders the responsibility of watching over our souls. That should move us to pray for them seriously. And it should also remind us that they are accountable to Christ. Because Peter calls Jesus the “Chief Shepherd.” The elders shepherd His flock. We are His people, and ultimately, both the shepherds and the sheep answer to Him.

So, pray for your elders; pray that they remain faithful to God’s Word, pray that they lead with wisdom and humility. And pray for yourself that when God calls you to follow, you will be humble enough to do so, because sometimes humility isn’t about leading; sometimes it's about being willing to follow.