Un-American- Humble Men of God Are Our Leaders (Or should be)

QUESTION RECEIVED:

What does it mean that elders and pastors are not to 'lord it over' those entrusted to them? Obviously we are to submit to leadership, so what is the distinction? What makes something 'lording over'? Thank you!!

MY ANSWER:
This is the verse I think you are referring to.

1 Peter 5:1-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB) "3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock."

My,oh my! Nobody wants wants to
be "lorded over".
Let's look at the Word of God in the fuller passage.

1 Peter 5:1-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
"1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

(vs.1) Paul is telling the other church pastors and church leaders that, he is a fellow leader. Paul is modeling humility. You can't exactly brag about how humble you are being. He, Paul, is in effect an Apostle and specifically chosen by Jesus Christ Himself to help establish the church, local churches and establish church doctrine or official teaching.
Paul, like the other elders was a sinner who had to be saved by the death of Jesus Christ, who atoned Paul's life by His death on the cross. Jesus took the wrath of God intended for Paul and all us sinners on the cross. Paul received forgiveness of sins, peace with God and citizenship in Heaven when he repented and believed the gospel. So do we. Have you?
Paul, like all the saved, will partake in the glory of salvation fully understood when we see and live forever with the risen Christ.
(vs.2) These men do it with eagerness. They have a "fire in their belly" (An old southern political term.) to share the gospel and to shepherd the flock. This from a spirit of thankfulness and from being called to do so. These men should be shepherds not from from compulsion or financial gain.
These men can do nothing else but preach Jesus and Him crucified.

Jeremiah 20:9New American Standard Bible (NASB)
"9 But if I say, “I will not remember Him Or speak anymore in His name,”
Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire Shut up in my bones;
And I am weary of holding it in, And I cannot endure it."

(Vs.3) these men are examples of dealing with people in love because of the gospel they have received.
(Vs.4) The redeemed receive full pardon from sin. Citizenship in Heaven! Follow voluntarily you church leaders.
(vs.5) They follow Christ.
You are not being "lorded over" by God's servant. You are a subject of a loving gracious King of Glory called King Jesus
You don;t get to God through the American way of capitalism.  You can;t pull yourself upto God by your
bootsstraps.  Christ plucks you out of the muck and mire of your sin and you receive a new clean heart -like His.  It's a servant's heart.