Gospel Leadership

May 4, 2025 • Steve Marfia

FCF: The church suffers when leadership is either domineering or passive rather than gospel-shaped.

Big Idea: God calls elders to shepherd His church because His flock matters, and His glory is at stake.

I. What Are Elders? (vv. 1–2)

II. What Are Elders Called to Do? (vv. 1–3)

1) Know the flock.

2) Lead by example.

3) Feed the Word.

4) Protect from harm.

5) Equip the saints.

III. What Should Elder Culture Feel Like? (vv. 2–3)

- Willingly, Not Under Compulsion

- Eagerly, Not for Shameful Gain

- As Undershepherds of the Chief Shepherd

- All with Humility

- And in a Plurality

Conclusion & Call to Action:

1) Pray for your elders. Ask God to raise up more.

2) Join the mission—move from spectator to servant.

3) Pursue humility and faithfulness in whatever role God’s given you.

4) Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Chief Shepherd. — It will literally be eternally worth it.

Closing Question:

“In what ways have you resisted, resented, or slandered those God has placed in spiritual leadership over you—perhaps out of pride, past wounds, or a desire to remain unchallenged—and are you willing today to lay that down, receive Christ’s grace, and be transformed into someone who builds up rather than tears down His church?”