James, the brother of Jesus, rose to a unique position of influence in the Jerusalem church. While not one of the original Twelve Apostles, he became the principal shepherd or leader in Jerusalem. His leadership is particularly evident in the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), where he provides a concluding judgment with wisdom and authority, rooted in Scripture. James exemplified spiritual maturity and pastoral concern, authoring the epistle of James and guiding the church through times of persecution and doctrinal dispute. His role suggests a form of city church leadership that complemented apostolic leadership without superseding it. In every city and town, as the number of house fellowships grows, there is an ever-increasing need for wise and loving, Spirit-led oversight from those chosen by God for this pastoral role. Such men and women are those who daily walk and talk with Jesus, the Head of the church in every place. These are they who listen diligently to what the Spirit says to the churches. Let us be inspired by the example of James, and grateful for the understanding of true religion that he gives us: “Pure andundefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).