In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “ ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “ ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

What I find interesting here is Peter didn’t just say, “We’ve always had 12 disciples, so let’s just add one.” He wasn’t wanting to add an ally of his to the leadership of the church either. He went to scripture and to the prophecies surrounding what happened concerning Judas and sought to obey them.

This is such a great example for church leadership and for us as brothers and sisters on how to lead effectively for Jesus. We must seek the wisdom of God first and foremost. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬)

Churches add leaders many times based on “form and fit” that the leaders like. Peter set for us an example here: he instructs the church to recommend leaders with the specific criteria of having been with them throughout Jesus’ ministry. These leaders were leaders who the congregation of believers liked and respected. Why? Well it doesn’t exactly say, but my guess is because they practiced what they preached. They led by example.

So today, we must ask ourselves, would those around us, if asked who they would recommend for leadership, consider us? If so, why?

And for the leaders among us, in what manner will you promote leaders in your church or ministries? Will it be because they always agree with you and think like you? Or will living out the Word of God in life be the primary qualification?

Lord, help me to improve at becoming a leader others enjoy following — who serves them, loves them, and puts them above myself. Mold me into a better leader. And teach me to seek your wisdom in choosing those to lead alongside me.