Zambia Hunt

Sunday morning, August 10, 2025. Kitwe Church set apart Lazarus Chanda for the gospel ministry. As a congregation, we have watched Pastor Lazarus’ life, we have examined his doctrine, and we have participated side-by-side in ministry at Kitwe Church.

Lazarus Chanda and his wife Pheobe, along with their three little sons, Talent, Timothy, and Titus Abraham, left this week for the city of Kasama in Northern Province. Survey work has been done, and with God’s enabling, a church will be planted in Kasama Central. This church plant will minister in Bemba, the language most spoken by the people in the area.

Pastor Hector Garcia gave a charge to Pastor Chanda from 1 Peter 5:1-4, and reminded the members of Kitwe Church of their responsibilities. Here is an edited version of that challenge, a challenge that each of us would benefit from receiving. (You can listen to the sermon here.)

The Text (1 Peter 5:1-4)

“So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have it; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

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This letter was written by Peter to believers facing persecution. If believers are suffering, it would be terrible if they also suffered under pastors who are bullies or don’t care for their souls. After addressing everyone, Peter now speaks specifically to the pastors.

I want to show you four things from this passage: the context, the call, the conditions, and the crown.

1. The Context: An Elder Charging Fellow Elders in Humility

Peter identifies himself as a “fellow elder” rather than asserting his apostolic authority. He puts himself at the same level as those he’s addressing. The word “elders” (presbyteros) refers to those with leadership positions in the church—not necessarily old people, but those with wisdom and maturity.

Peter reminds them he was “a witness of the sufferings of Christ.” Because these believers and pastors have suffered for Christ, he appeals to Jesus’ sufferings. Pastors will face unique burdens and decisions that most Christians don’t carry.

Peter exemplifies humility here—the most basic requirement of an elder. He didn’t act like a Pope or demand special treatment. Humility should mark every ministry. Pride will destroy you, your family, your ministry, and your church.

2. The Call: Shepherd the Flock, Exercising Oversight

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight.”

What Does Shepherding Involve?

Guide the Sheep: Show them the way and keep them from going astray. Sheep get lost easily.

Bring Back the Stray Sheep: Use your rod and staff to lovingly restore those who wander.

Feed the Sheep: Teach and preach God’s Word faithfully. Find the best spiritual nourishment, not just any teaching. Prepare well—don’t get up Sunday morning asking, “What am I going to preach today?”

Protect the Sheep: Guard against false teaching. Wolves will come with prosperity gospel lies, claiming Jesus died to make people rich and healthy. They’ll sound powerful and religious but lead sheep astray.

The Cost of Shepherding

This is a monumental responsibility:

• You will be cold, but must keep the sheep warm
• You will be hungry at times, but must keep the sheep fed
• You will be afraid sometimes, but must keep them safe
• You must always know the way because you guide the sheep

A Word to the Church

Don’t make pastoral work harder than it already is. Instead of criticizing your pastor, encourage him. Pray for him. Be financially generous. Be holy so you’re not always the sheep going astray, demanding constant attention from your shepherd.

Notice the text says “shepherd the flock of God that is among you.” It’s God’s flock, not the pastor’s. Many so-called pastors act like the church exists to serve them and make them comfortable. No—it is God’s flock.

3. The Conditions: How to Shepherd Faithfully

Condition 1: Willingly, Not Under Compulsion

Don’t pastor because you’re forced into it. Before qualifications matter, you must have a consuming desire for ministry. Your will must align with God’s will. Some men meet all the biblical qualifications but lack the desire—they shouldn’t be pastors.

The need doesn’t supersede God’s commandments. If a man doesn’t want to be in ministry, he shouldn’t be there.

Condition 2: Not for Shameful Gain, But Eagerly

Don’t enter ministry for financial benefit. A pastor must not be a lover of money. How do you recognize a money-loving pastor? He’s always asking for more money for himself, gets upset when he doesn’t get it, won’t preach until offerings are full, and charges members for prayers and services.

However, churches must take care of their pastors financially. It’s the church’s responsibility to ensure pastors are well cared for.

Condition 3: Not Domineering, But Being Examples

Don’t be a bully. Though pastors have positions of authority, they must be examples of service and sacrifice, not use their position to oppress. Remember Diotrephes in 3 John—he loved having first place and expelled those who disagreed with him.

A pastor must be an example worthy of following, marked by meekness and humility.

4. The Crown: The Eternal Reward

“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Jesus is the Chief Shepherd

By calling Jesus the Chief Shepherd, Peter reminds us that pastors are servants, not bosses. We serve under His authority as under-shepherds. We advance His agenda and kingdom, not our own.

An Eternal Crown

Unlike the perishable crowns of leaves given to ancient Olympic winners, shepherds receive an eternal, unfading crown. Your labor is not in vain—there’s a reward coming for all pastors who serve according to these conditions.

Conclusion

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)

May we all shepherd like the Chief Shepherd—like the one who gave His life for us, cared for us, and died for us. May pastors die for the sheep, care for the sheep, and feed the sheep for the glory of His name.