Many people who have not experienced being a leader assume that leadership is quite straightforward: what you need to do is make the decisions, tell people what to do, and sit back to enjoy the power and prestige that come with the position. The reality of leadership is much more complicated: decisions are often difficult, and it is impossible to please everybody. In the fifth chapter of his first letter, Peter gave the following encouragement to leaders:
As a fellow leader, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and someone who will share in the glory that will be revealed, let me encourage the leaders amongst you to look after the flock of God around you, not because you have to but because you want to, for God’s sake, not to make money, but because you are keen to please God. Do not dominate over the people entrusted to you; instead make yourselves examples to the flock. When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
Bad leaders dominate and dictate. Good leaders understand that leadership is about serving the people who have been entrusted to their care. It is about finding the resources that people need, helping people to fulfil the missions to which God has called them, and getting people to co-operate with each other to achieve far more together than they could achieve separately. It is difficult, but it is a sacred trust.