Friday Family Service: The Heart of a Shepherd: Unity, Faithfulness, Passion, and Encouragement, April 24, 2026

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Reverend Michael Mwangi

Senior Pastor, Fedha Church, Kenya Assemblies of God 

1 Peter 5:1-4

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

1. Unity

Philippians 2:2-5
Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.

Teamwork and team spirit lead to strength because we pull together, not apart. Two are better and stronger than one and have a better return for their input. This is only true if there is unity and harmony.

Be of the same mind. This calls for humility.

Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Regarding others as more important than yourself. Look out for their strengths, not weaknesses, and you will notice they have something you do not have; thus, they are worth more than you. It is pride and weakness to capitalize on someone else's weakness. It does not make you better than that brother. The best thing is to correct in love, but not backbiting.

Galatians 5:15
But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another.

"Biting and devouring" refers to gossip, jealousy, harsh criticism, and fighting, which can ruin relationships. Such behavior leads to mutual destruction (consumed by one another). Instead, Christians are to love and serve one another rather than causing division.

Unity depends on your attitude toward others and yourself. Recognize we are different but needed in the body of Christ. Unity in diversity, like the organs of the body.

1 Corinthians 12:12, 21
For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."

We are better together. Verse 3 says consider others better than yourself. Esteem other people, holding them in higher regard. The right attitude values others above self and therefore creates need for one another. Unity complements one another instead of competition as we work together toward one goal. The burden becomes easier because it is shared by all.

Let us embrace the Spirit of truth and love to rule in us and in this church.

2. Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Everyone of us has something to contribute to the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:7
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.

Faithfulness means staying true to the course, duty, or call. It requires:

  • Availability

  • Accessibility

  • Accountability

  • Reliability (Can we count on you?)

Success before God is not measured in performance but in faithfulness. "Well done, good and faithful servant."

3. Passion

Passion means to work with all your strength, enthusiasm, and energy.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

Be diligent, giving your best in all tasks—whether large or small. Do not wait for large opportunities to be diligent. Passion leads to self-motivation and productivity.

Usikuwe mtu wa kusukumiwa, ati lazima ukumbushwe; huwezi kujituma [Do not be a person who has to be pushed, as if you must be reminded; you cannot exert yourself].

4. Encouragement

We need to motivate each other toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.

Be an encourager and a brother's keeper. Usikuwe wa kuvunja watu moyo [Do not be one who breaks people's hearts]. Be a Barnabas.

Acts 4:36-37
And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

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