1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 | Respect, Esteem & Peace
Respecting Church Leadership: Understanding God's Design for Spiritual Authority
In a world that often celebrates independence and self-reliance, the biblical model of church leadership can sometimes feel countercultural. Yet understanding God's design for spiritual authority is essential for a healthy church community. Let's explore what Scripture teaches about respecting those who lead in the church.
What Does the Bible Say About Church Leadership?
In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, Paul instructs believers: "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."
This passage reveals a fundamental truth: God gives leaders to the church not to control people, but to care for them, to model the love and truth of Christ in community.
Who Are These Leaders Paul Mentions?
Throughout Scripture, several terms are used interchangeably to describe church leaders:
Pastor (from Greek "poimon") - meaning shepherd
Elder (from Greek "presbyteris") - meaning wise overseer
Overseer or Bishop - referring to supervisors or guardians
These terms all point to the same role within the church - those called to shepherd God's people.
What Should Church Leadership Look Like?
The Shepherd Model
In 1 Peter 5:1-5, Peter provides clear guidance for church leaders:
"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
A shepherd's responsibilities include:
Keeping track of all the sheep
Caring for them
Healing injuries
Providing nourishment
Finding the lost and bringing them back
The Servant-Leader Example
Jesus himself established the model for church leadership in Mark 10:42-44:
"Those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all."
True spiritual leadership is characterized by:
Humility rather than pride
Service rather than power
Example rather than mere authority
What Does "Admonish" Really Mean?
When Paul mentions that leaders will "admonish" the church, this can sound authoritarian to modern ears. But biblical admonishment is actually about teaching:
What to take on: The fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), listening carefully, giving generously, acting justly, walking humbly, etc.
What to put off: Behaviors done selfishly, maliciously, greedily, arrogantly, bitterly, deceitfully, or rashly.
Leaders admonish because God's plan for you is perfect, and you deserve what God has planned for you. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
How Are Church Leaders Held Accountable?
Church leaders face a higher standard of accountability:
"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." (James 3:1)
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account." (Hebrews 13:17)
Pastors will answer to God for their stewardship, not to public opinion. They should be:
Pastoral - caring for the flock
Accountable - to God and other leaders
Plural - part of a team of elders
Scriptural - teaching God's Word faithfully
What Is the Church's Responsibility Toward Leaders?
According to 1 Thessalonians 5:13, believers are called to "esteem them very highly in love because of their work."
This involves:
Trusting (but verifying) that God has placed these leaders over you
Being thankful for their labor
Staying open to God's call, even into leadership
Recognizing that peace comes from mutual love and submission to Christ
How Does This Point to Jesus?
Jesus is the ultimate authority behind all church leadership:
He is the chief Shepherd of the church
He is the Lord who authorizes and commissions leaders
He is the giver of peace within the community
The Gospel produces a culture of honor, love, and mutual upbuilding—not because people deserve it, but because Christ first loved us.
Why Should We Listen to Spiritual Authority?
In our independent-minded culture, submission to spiritual authority can feel challenging. Yet Scripture teaches that:
We are all broken people living in a broken world
We cannot grow in grace and love alone
God's plan includes under-shepherds to feed, lead, watch, and warn
These leaders are called to love sacrificially, not for personal gain
As 1 John 4:18-19 reminds us: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear... We love because he first loved us."
Life Application
The biblical model of church leadership challenges both leaders and church members. Here are some questions to reflect on this week:
For church members: How do you view your church leaders? Do you see them as servants called by God to care for you, or as authority figures to be skeptical of? How might your attitude need to change?
For everyone: In what ways do you resist godly admonishment? Are there areas of your life where you need to be more open to biblical teaching and correction?
For leaders: Are you leading with humility and service, or with pride and authority? How can you more faithfully model Christ's servant leadership?
For your community: How can you contribute to a culture of peace in your church? What practical steps can you take to honor those who labor among you?
This week, commit to praying for your church leaders. Thank God for their service and ask Him to strengthen them. Consider how you might encourage them through a note, a word of appreciation, or simply by receiving their teaching with an open heart.
Remember, God's design for spiritual authority isn't about control—it's about care. When we embrace this truth, we experience the peace and flourishing that comes from living in God's ordered community.