Peter exhorts his fellow elders to be good shepherds of the flock. We first consider Peter’s unusual role in the church, and then examine the historic controversy surrounding his role. Historically, the Catholic Church has asserted that Jesus established Peter as the first pope, while Protestants reject such a claim and tend to focus on the failings of Peter as a reaction. We then turn to the Biblical pattern for elders/bishops, God's expectations for His shepherds, the damage caused by ungodly leadership, and the proper response when Church leaders fall into serious sin.