The Ministry Trap Most Pastors Never See Coming

Article by Jeremiah Riner

1 Peter 5:2 "Shepherd the flock of God which is among you..."

It doesn't take long in ministry before we're tempted to look sideways.

We compare attendance, budgets, buildings, influence, and opportunities. Without even realizing it, our focus can shift from faithfully shepherding people to measuring ourselves against others. But in 1 Peter chapter 5, Peter gives pastors a much different assignment. He doesn't say, "Keep an eye on the flocks around you." He says, "Shepherd the flock...among you." And those two words, "among you" change everything.

Shepherding Is Personal

Peter begins by addressing "the elders among you" (1 Peter 5:1). He speaks as a fellow shepherd, not as someone giving instructions from a distance. He knew firsthand both the joys and the burdens of ministry. He had some skin in the game. A CEO can manage from behind a desk and at a distance, but a shepherd walks closely enough with the flock to notice the details. He sees the sheep that are limping, the ones carrying wounds, those who are growing, and those beginning to wander.

Pastoral ministry was never intended to be limited to preparing sermons or leading meetings. It involves knowing people by name, caring for their souls, and walking with them through life's victories and valleys. Every pastor should carefully and honestly ask himself: Am I among my people, or am I merely over them?

Shepherding is About Proximity

Peter continues, "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you." God has entrusted every pastor with a particular congregation. Not every church. Not every ministry. Not every opportunity. Just this one.

I read a great article a few years ago by a seminary professor who was speaking with a 71-year-old Ph.D. student about pastoral ministry. The elderly, but wise man observed that many pastors tend to live in one of three places: the church they can never get over, the church they currently pastor, or the church they wish they were leading. His conclusion was simple but powerful: "You cannot be the best pastor you can be when your eyes are on more than one congregation." That truth is worth remembering.

We should celebrate what God is doing in other churches without becoming distracted from what He has called us to do. Our churches don't need pastors who are constantly looking elsewhere. They need shepherds who are fully present. Brothers, faithfulness will always accomplish more than comparison.

Shepherding Sets the Pace

In verses 2–3, Peter contrasts three unhealthy motivations with three godly ones.

He tells pastors not to serve:

• Out of compulsion, driven by fear.

• For dishonest gain, motivated by greed.

• By lording authority over others, fueled by pride.

Instead, we are to serve:

• Willingly, with joy.

• Eagerly, with a ready and enthusiastic heart.

• As examples, leading with humility.

Leadership is more than giving directions. Leadership is setting the pace. The encouraging news is that God has not left His servants unequipped. We have His sufficient grace, fresh mercies every morning, the perfect and eternal Word of God, and the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Pastors, we are more equipped than the greatest armies this world has ever seen!

Shepherding Receives a Prize

Peter closes with this wonderful promise:

"And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1 Peter 5:4)

This reminder brings a tremendous perspective. We are not the Chief Shepherd. Jesus is.

The church doesn't belong to us—it belongs to Him. And one day we will stand before Christ. Not before critics, not before other pastors, not before social media, but before Jesus Himself.

And what a comfort to know that the Chief Shepherd is not eagerly waiting to condemn faithful servants. He delights in rewarding those He has saved and who have served Him well.

As Paul reminds us:

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Staying in the Field

The temptation to compare, covet, or complain will always be present in ministry. But God's calling remains beautifully simple: Shepherd the flock among you. Love the people God has entrusted to your care. Serve them faithfully. Walk closely with them. Lead them by example. And most of all, trust the Chief Shepherd with the results.

There is abundant grace to faithfully shepherd the flock God has placed before you...right where you are, for His glory and for the good of His people.

Jeremiah Riner is married to his lovely wife, Morgan. They live in Mt. Carmel, TN and are the proud parents of two wonderful children. Jeremiah is also the pastor of Calvary Bible Church in Duffield, VA and the host of the Deeply Rooted Podcast.