Jesus could have chosen to shepherd His Church in many ways. He could have had the Holy Spirit speak directly to each believer at all times. He could have worked through angels. But He has chosen to shepherd His people through men. Men who are qualified and equipped to lead the Church. These men are called “elders” in the Bible because they are to be men of spiritual maturity and possess gifts from the Savior for their work. The Apostle Peter describes these men and their work in the last chapter of his first letter. Peter was uniquely qualified to speak to this because he himself was an elder, one who had failed miserably and was restored by Christ to a vibrant ministry. “Jesus Shepherds through Elders” (1 Peter 5:1-5).

I. The Qualities of Elders (5:1)

II. The Work of Elders (5:2-3)

III. The Blessing of Elders (5:4-5)