For the week of September 28, 2026
MONDAY
Day One: Peter Exhorts the Elders
Truth: 1 Peter 5:1-5 says, “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 you; 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. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Sermon Point: The elders Peter is addressing here are the mature believers called to lead the visible church as humble servants built on Christ the Cornerstone. That Peter uses the word “exhort” reveals his heart toward them – he encourages and pleads with them to behave in a certain way that still honors their human agency. And he identifies himself as an elder too, grounding the role’s importance not in status but in their shared witness to Christ’s suffering and their shared hope in His coming glory. In doing so, Peter reminds the church that elders – whether in the first century or at FM today – are called to shepherd God’s people with holiness, humility, and faithful stewardship.
Application: Encourage one of our elders today (or this week) – send a note, speak a word of gratitude, take them aside to pray for them – let them know their service to the Lord on FM’s behalf is truly appreciated.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Thank God for His design for the Church – pray that FM would stay faithful to His design, for our good and His glory.
- Praise God for His faithfulness to the Church, generation after generation.
TUESDAY
Day Two: Shepherd the Flock
Truth: 1 Peter 5:1-5 says, “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 you; 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. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Sermon Point: Peter urges elders to shepherd God’s people with willing, cheerful hearts – feeding, tending, and caring for souls not from a distance or because it’s their duty, but by living among the flock entrusted to them with humble, hands‑on oversight. Their leadership must never be driven by compulsion or personal gain, but by a sincere desire to serve God and His beloved children with eager readiness. By alternating between positive and negative perspectives, Peter calls elders to embrace their role freely and faithfully, choosing the hard, holy work of guiding a wayward flock with the right spirit before God.
Application: Wherever you find yourself serving, take a few minutes to examine your motives – are you serving willingly and eagerly or drifting toward compulsion or self-interest? If the latter, respond in humble repentance…and then do the next right thing.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Repent of the ways and areas where you have been serving with selfish motives; pray that God would purify all our hearts to serve out of love and gratitude.
- Pray that God would place within us a genuine, Christ-like brotherly love for one another, no matter what our role here at FM may be.
WEDNESDAY
Day Three: Examples to the Flock
Truth: 1 Peter 5:1-5 says, “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 you; 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. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Sermon Point: Peter teaches that elders must never lead with a heavy hand but with the same humble, encouraging spirit he himself models here, guiding the church through example rather than domineering power. Their task is to show the flock how to serve, suffer, and pursue the mission of Making Disciples with willing, Christlike humility. Because this work is spiritually weighty, slow, and demanding, the church must seek those whom God has called who can shepherd with patience, steadiness, consistency, and longevity.
Application: Let’s all embrace our commission today (every day!) – when we do, it glorifies God and encourages one another. So, get after it! Go and Make Disciples!
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Pray for our elders – that they would lead FM with holiness, humility, and faithful stewardship.
- Praise God that He never calls anyone to follow and serve Him without promising to always be with them, no matter what.
THURSDAY
Day Four: The Unfading Crown of Glory
Truth: 1 Peter 5:1-5 says, “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 you; 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. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Sermon Point: Peter reminds elders that their present, difficult shepherding is carried out in light of Christ’s future appearing, when the Chief Shepherd will reward them with an unfading crown of glory. This long view reinforces that eldership is a God‑given calling requiring endurance, stability, and lifelong faithfulness rather than short‑term rotation or personal ambition. Ultimately, the picture of elders casting their crowns before Jesus shows that true shepherding is about fixing our eyes on His glory and serving His church with worshipful, lifelong, whole‑hearted devotion.
Application: Set aside some time today to meditate on Revelation 4 – fix your eyes on God’s Glory – let it recalibrate your entire perspective – and live in light of its current and eternal implications.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Praise God for our Good Chief Shepherd – and for all that He did and continues to do to care for His flock of ever-wandering sheep.
- Pray that God will help us fix our eyes on the day when Jesus will appear and every crown is laid at His feet.
FRIDAY
Day Five: Clothe Yourselves with Humility
Truth: 1 Peter 5:1-5 says, “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 you; 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. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
Sermon Point: FM’s eight elders have been called to shepherd this 214‑year‑old, mission‑driven church that belongs to ECO’s Rivers of Life presbytery and is strategically positioned to reach the Tri‑State region with the Great Commission. They set the conditions for disciple‑making by upholding our 10 Core Values and three Foundational Principles and by affirming that Jesus alone is the Head of FMC. Their shepherding includes both spiritual oversight and hands‑on leadership across teaching, worship, security, personnel, policies, student ministry, counseling, and the overall health and culture of the church. Through it all, they strive to embody Isaiah 66:2 – leading with humility, contrition, and a reverence for God’s Word.
Application: Choose one of FM’s values to pray through and put into practice this week (perhaps you choose a different one every week!). You can find them here.
Kingdom Prayer Focus:
- Pray for FM – that all would honor and submit to the authority and responsibility God has given the elders.
- Pray through our Endstate: Throughout the Tri-State Region & Beyond… the Glory of God is honored, intimacy with Jesus is treasured, the Holy Spirit’s fruit ripens in believers’ lives, the holiness of God is revered, the goodness of God is relished, the truth of God is pursued, the faithfulness of God is trusted, the promises of God are believed, the grace of God is cherished, the wrath of God is feared, the commandments of God are obeyed, humility abounds, the lost are found, repentance and gratitude flow, praise and prayer erupt, lives and communities are transformed, love and joy fill hearts, freedom and forgiveness overwhelm, barriers are broken down, the hungry are fed, marriages are restored, families are reunited, and prodigals come home!