So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.1
I love this passage. It records the first act of the many “acts of the apostles” in the Bible, and it’s so earthy. One of their own, Judas, had betrayed Jesus and then committed suicide. Now the remaining eleven apostles needed to complete their “team.” So they nominated two candidates, prayed, and then “cast lots.”
Their conviction was that, while casting lots appeared to be random in their eyes, in actual fact God had control over the lots, so it was not random to him. Casting lots was their way of allowing God to have the final say in the decision. “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”2
For this reason, I don’t think it is necessary to obsess over how teams are formed when starting a new men’s team ministry. God knows the needs of your widows and single moms. God also knows the hearts and abilities of your men. So I suggest that, after spending some time in prayer, you allow your group of men to “randomly” form their own teams. As time goes by, you’ll be amazed at how perfectly your teams are matched to their care receivers.
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
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Learn how to form teams of men for every widow, single mom
and fatherless child in your church at NewCommandment.org.
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