1 Peter 5:1 - 3 "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: (2.) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (3.) Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."
I believe the word “elders” is speaking to Pastors. I know it means aged men, but I believe here that it means Pastors and Ministers because the word “feed” in verse 2 means - to tend as a shepherd – making this a Pastors example. I know there are some who would argue with me, and that’s ok because most people are just looking for something to argue about. But for the sake of the thought let us assume I am right. Peter says in verse 1 “The elders which are among you I exhort…” the word “exhort” means – I want to call this to your attention – in other words if you are a Pastor or Minister in charge of one of the Lords churches you need to pay close attention to what is about to be said. Peter went on in verse 2 and said “Feed the flock of God which is among you…” this is our job in the church and our charge from the Lord. Any Pastor or minister who is not teaching the meat of the scriptures is failing the church and the Lord. Church is not a playhouse for swinging singles, ball game, or anything else it is a seminary for a biblical education. If the membership is not learning the scriptures the Ministers have failed and the church is weakened. The ministers and especially the Pastor will be held responsible for the churches educational failure. Peter went on to say “…which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly…” A Pastor must take the oversight in the church; he is the appointed leader and ruler of the Lords church. Not the ruler as one who controls or dictates, but one who makes sure the church is fed properly, and run properly. This is a work, "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." 1 Timothy 3:1 and if a man does not want to fulfill the office of Pastor as the Lord has commanded it is better he quite and let someone else fill the office. Churches are not playhouses nor are they talent shows; they are the most important institution on the earth. Therefore tending to one of them is a full time job, there is no such thing as a “part time” pastor. If you have the oversight of one of the Lords churches you did it willingly and not by force. If you do anything for the Lord you do it willingly because those who are truly called are chosen and God makes us willing to do His will. Jesus was not forced to die, He gave His life, and neither are we Christians forced. Peter went on to say “…not for filthy lucre…” That is not for self glory or gain. The word “filthy” shows it to for something dishonorable, which could be many things. Personal glory would also fit here. Peter also said “…a ready mind;” that is with a cheerful heart, with the Lord and churches benefit in mind instead of self. And then Peter in closing here said, “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” Not being lords but examples to those who serve under us. Being a Pastor or Minister in the Lords church is a richly blessed work if done decently and in order; the main purpose is to feed and have oversight in the Lords church. We are only good Pastors if we follow Gods rules in oversight, and we are gauged by the truth we teach. 1 Timothy 5:17 "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." The churches need to allow their Pastors to do their work and when the Pastor doesn’t do his work then it is a churches responsibility to dismiss him and find another one. The Church is an important place and there is no place for fun, pleasure, or failure.
