Shepherding the Flock of God

In 1 Peter 5, we find instructions given to pastors/elders by a "fellow elder" about how to shepherd the flock of God. Understanding that being a pastor is not a job or a profession is the first important step in understanding the true nature of the calling. Peter substantiates this by stating that a pastor/elder should not be "forced" into service, should not be motivated by money to serve, and should not "lord it over" the flock as a heavy-handed authoritarian. Elders are called by God to serve in humility and submission for the sake of God's people, motivated by no other reward other than the future "crown of glory which shall not fade away" given at the day of Christ's coming.