Saint Peter’s Principles

Leadership for those who already know their incompetence
Resource as we read through 1st Peter
Sunday Message Series: July 24 – August 21, 2022

Authentic leaders are genuinely aware of their incompetence.” It was this statement in the description of this book that encouraged me to read it. This is important for two very good reasons. First, this truth keeps us dependent of god, who alone is truly competent. Second, this awareness makes us want constantly to learn more and grow more. I believe a truly good leader knows that they only know what they know, and are constantly seeking to learn from anyone and everyone. A bad leader is one who thinks he knows everything and believes he knows better than anyone and everyone.
                   “Once you stop learning you start dying” ― Albert Einstein
The biblical metaphor of a shepherd, made most powerfully in the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd, redefines leadership in a biblical frame, in contrast to the potentates of the ancient Near East or the emperors of the Roman Empire.

Reverend Peter A. Lillback’s book, “Saint Peter’s Principles” highlights the juxtaposition in this work of the book on secular leaders entitled “The Peter Principle, by Dr. Laurance Peter. Peter the apostle had his own set of leadership principles, which was recognized by Jesus.

Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’ – Matthew 16:15-19.

Immediately after this announcement, Peter proved his authentic leadership…

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ – Matthew 16:21-23

During these five weeks we will look closely at Peter’s first letter providing an overview of his leadership principles. Each week will include a spiritual exercise and an opportunity to reflect on your leadership principles.

For just as Martin Luther’s doctrine of the universal priesthood of all believers which gave laypersons and the clergy equal rights and responsibilities. So too is everyone a leader. Some are more passive and behind the scenes, but a leader just the same as those more active and upfront. Saint Paul’s image of the Body of Christ demonstrates that all parts are needed.

Thank you each for your leadership here at St. Luke’s together living out our mission as a welcoming and growing community of faith, busy making Christ known to the world.

Yours in Christ,
Rob Norris-Weber, Pastor

If interested here is the link to purchase the book through Amazon. Remember to join the St. Luke’s SMILE program with Amazon: "St. Peter's Principles"