"Because You Are Willing" -1 Peter 5:1-5

Speaker: Steve Lee

​The danger of leadership is that we can drift into many ulterior motives for serving God, but Jesus gives us the ultimate example of what it means to shepherd others out of genuine love for them.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever taken on a leadership role that you were initially excited about but later found draining? What changed?
2. ​Who is a leader (in church, work, or life) that you deeply respect? What makes their leadership compelling to you?
   
3. In your own experience, what makes it easier or harder to follow someone’s leadership?
   
4. A plurality of elders offers protection to the church. Where have you seen the dangers of too much authority in one person or the benefits of shared leadership?
   
5. How does the idea of the “priesthood of all believers” challenge the way you think about your own role in caring for others in the church?
6. Peter emphasizes serving “because you are willing.” What are some signs that your motivation in serving (at church, work, or home) has shifted away from genuine willingness?
7. In what ways are you most tempted to seek “something in return” for your service (recognition, appreciation, control, etc.)?
8. Peter makes a contrast between “lording it over” and “leading by example.” When you think about your own leadership (or influence over others), where are you most tempted to control outcomes rather than trust others? What are subtle ways “lording it over” can show up even when it’s not so obvious or aggressive?
9. The congregation also has a role in supporting leaders. Practically, what does it look like for you to make leadership “a joy and not a burden” at ICC?