We’ve all been there: You want to strengthen your ministry, but you’ve got too much going on. Overwhelmed, stressed, and feeling like there just isn’t enough of us to go around. Your ministry isn’t where you want it to be, but the problem is you can never get ahead! How can you make things extraordinary without first making it workable? “There has to be a better way,” you think.
There is.
When it comes to leading and growing a ministry, delegation is the key. You, as a leader, need a ministry team that is supporting you and helping you, so that your ministry can function the way it was intended to.
And this isn’t just some “buzz idea.” This is a practical reality that you must get better at if you want to be the best pastor/director you can be and for your ministry to be the best it can be.
You are probably used to asking yourself, “What are the things I can do?”
What if we added one key word that changed the entire question though: “What are the things only I can do?”
Ministry leaders understand that delegation is key to their ministry, but they often don’t know how to do it. Many of us began in a role volunteering in the church. So you know how to be a great volunteer. But moving from the first question to the second is essential to becoming a great leader.
Learning how to delegate as a ministry leader results in a stronger environment for your church, volunteers, children, and yourself. Here are some key things to remember as you “flip the switch.”
1. You need the right team.
Choosing the people you delegate to is just as important as learning how to delegate. Start by surrounding yourself with great leaders.
Strength lies in numbers. Depending on the size of your church, you need to acquire a solid ratio of volunteers that can sustain what you’re currently doing. Discipleship is built on top of a foundation of a fully-functional team.
Do you ever think about how Jesus ran His ministry? He gathered twelve men to join Him in spreading the Gospel. While Jesus taught, preached, and performed miracles in different towns, He instructed His disciples to do the same. God did not design us to go it alone; Jesus exemplified this by being a teacher and a leader to a group of men. He looked past the sin and shame of these men and discovered their potential for leadership and courage. Knowing that these men would be the ones to continue to share His ministry and the Gospel to others, he worked to strengthen them as messengers and leaders.
When looking for people, remember: You don’t need perfect. You need potential. Even though He was perfect, Jesus chose and empowered imperfect and sinful people to be a part of His ministry.
2. Most things can be done by volunteers.
The more you can give away, the healthier you and your ministry will be.
Investing in your team allows people to step up to plate, which is exactly what they’re waiting for. When doubts like “I don’t want to give them too much” creep in your mind, think of it differently. Oftentimes, our volunteers are waiting to take on new things and new tasks. Let them.
Take a look at your team and determine who exudes noticeable leadership traits. Then let them use those traits in your ministry. You’ll be able to do more personally and collectively because your team is functioning at a higher capacity.
3. Strong teamwork results in a stronger ministry.
Your ministry is like a sailing ship, everyone has a place. Each crew member plays a part to make sure the ship is sailing properly. Someone has to hoist the anchor, lift the sails, keep watch for storms, etc. Each one takes direction from the captain, their leader. The captain knows how to sail the ship, but he cannot sail it by himself. So he enables others to do what must be done to keep the ship afloat and moving in the right direction.
This same principle can be applied to you and your ministry. Your team is looking to you for direction and instruction. Your influence will lead to their strength. If you insist on doing everything, your team will be frustrated and confused as to their own roles because they won’t have roles! They want to strengthen your ministry by putting forth their efforts. Unleash them to do that.
The most successful ministries are those that use this same principle of teamwork. Remember that the work you’re doing may be the perfect place for someone to uncover a God-given gift! Leverage your volunteers’ strengths with confidence. Delegate to them. You’ll be able to do more than ever before, and your ministry will be better because of it.
What’s one thing that you can delegate this week?
