(a) Explain Peter's advice to the elders and members of the church in their interpersonal relationships.
(b) State two duties of a good church leader.
Explanation
(a)(1) Peter advised elders to look after God's flock with tender care. They should work not as being under any external constraint, but willingly; not with the desire to make material gains, but with the eagerness that comes from the heart; not with a presumptuous and domineering spirit but as examples to be copied by the flock, so that at the appropriate time, they might attain the crown of glory.
(ii) Peter advised the young ones to be in humble subjection to the leaders, for God humiliates the proud and exalts the humble. However, for both young and old, Peter recommends the humble approach. They should leave all cases of anxiety in the able hands of God. They should, in all soberness, be vigilant against the temptation of the devil who is always around to lead the spiritually weak ones to destruction in hell. Armed with patient faith, they should remember that suffering is part of their Christian calling, knowing that suffering will lead to glory in Christ who has eternal dominion.
(b)The duties of a good church leader are:
(i) His first concern should be the spiritual and physical well being of the flock.
(ii) He must adjust his life as to practically show that he lives modestly.
(iii) He should be a shining example to the congregation.
(iv) He should encourage evangelism.
(v) He should pray for the congregation and intercede on their behalf.
(vi) He should give them spiritual counsel and moral courage.