What makes a leader good? I ask myself this question all the time, because leaders with integrity are sadly hard to find. We see power in the hands of the charismatic and connected, wielded by the ones who can command a room and summon a following. But who are the real leaders in Jesus’s upside-down kingdom? We can learn so much from the first generation of Jesus followers, and today we’re getting to know an early church leader named Stephen.
Throughout Church history, Stephen is considered the first martyr. Acts 6 gives us a glimpse into his life and character. He’s the first name on the list of seven men who were chosen to care for the Jewish and Greek widows in the community. Think of these seven as the original deacons, if that’s part of your church tradition. These seven were chosen not for their charisma, education, or commanding presence, but for their “good reputation” as men who were “full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3).
In fact, you may have noticed words like “Spirit” and “wisdom” are used over and over to describe him in this short passage. He’s “full of faith and the Holy Spirit…grace and power,” and he quickly becomes known for “performing great wonders and signs among the people” through a power beyond his own ability (vv.5,8). Stephen beautifully fits Paul’s later portrait of a deacon: “worthy of respect, not hypocritical,” tested and proven “blameless” (1Timothy 3:8–10).
In his service, Stephen led. In his integrity, he became a reflection of God’s glory, like Moses whose face shone after he spent time in the presence of God (Exodus 34:29–30).
So again, what makes a leader good? The kind of integrity that comes from the Holy Spirit and time seeking God. It’s a commitment to following the way of Jesus so strong it cannot be shouted down, a faithfulness that bears up under accusation, that’s tested and proven worthy of respect—especially when the respect is questioned by the powerful.
For Stephen, that meant holding steady under the weight of judgement and lies. We’re told that his commitment to truth-telling offended a certain group of religious leaders, but “they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking” (Acts 6:10). The only way they could even build a case against him was through lies and rumors. Of course, we have to seek wisdom and discernment when challenges come, but our character can be our truest witness.
There are so many competing stories about how to lead and serve well in this world, but in Stephen’s life, we see how following Jesus and seeking the Spirit’s wisdom can give us the humility, courage, and faithfulness we need to find our way.
Satan tries to distract the church and the disciples from focusing on preaching and praying. This ministry the seven were chosen for created balance and focus so that the church would not be distracted. This also ensures your people are part of the church.
Victoria E. Praise GOD for your babies heart beat! Thank you for the update yesterday, praying for you. || Kristen, I will be praying for Jan, I was talking to my dad yesterday about how I was praying for those who are transplant recipients during this time, because they are so much more fragile, now I have a name to add to that prayer along with all those God knows and cares for already. || everyone who has asked for prayers, I am praying for you. This community is so wonderful. If I could ask for prayers for our family, my relatives with their health situations (the Lord knows) and for me & my hubs, to rest secure in the Lord & His timing for our family. Thank you so much ❤️ love you all SRT sisters.
Stephen is one of my all time favorites to read about, as soon as he comes into the picture he is commended for his fullness of faith and the Holy Spirit. Not only that, but when they needed someone to be chosen to take care and serve the widows, the thought of him. His part in the kingdom is one I cry every time when I read his boldness and his ultimate end. He is a great example of a godly leader, and his proclamation & boldness in the faith give us a great example of what in Acts 5:41b they said “…rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.” Man I just love Stephen. ALSO MOSES! I’m sorry if I’m a bit all over the place, Stephen and Moses, both their faces radiant from the presence of the Lord—some of my absolutely FAVORITES to read about. (Stephen being filled with the boldness of the Holy Spirit and Moses coming down from the presence of the Lord from Mount Sinai). I mean, such goodness here. Wow. May the boldness of faith and the grace and power from the Holy Spirit fill us, may we too walk so closely that our faces reflect the Lord. Praise God for the book of Acts, praise God for our redemption through Christ Jesus, praise God for His living and active Word! May the Lord be with you all.
Lord help me through Your Holy Spirit to be the kind of leader whose actions are consistent with Your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.
I needed this this morning. I have been struggling in a toxic work environment and God has opened doors for me to change careers. I spent most of the day yesterday doubting whether I should leave my “comfort zone” and pursue these other opportunities. Today’s reading has shown me that God would not have given me these opportunities if it isn’t the right thing to do.
Notes about what’s a Good leader: integrity from the Holy Spirit, commitment to following Jesus, Faithfulness, worthy of respect, Humility, courage.
Lord, thank you for these reminders today!
Notes about what’s a Good leader: integrity from the Holy Spirit, commitment to following Jesus, Faithfulness, worthy of respect, Humility, courage.
Deacon means “one who serves”. This helped me understand the role and their responsibilities.