We know that the Gospel is the “power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). We have been entrusted with that power to go out as His ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20) to tell others of that Good News. In a sense, we might say that the Lord has delegated this responsibility to us (Matt. 28:18-20). Hence, we can learn some lessons about delegation. Influenced by the Gospel, delegating becomes about more than simply getting somebody to accomplish a task for us.
Lessons We Can Learn about Delegation Influenced by the Gospel
- View the delegated task as an entrustment. With that comes accountability.
The Apostle Paul was “entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised” (Gal. 2:7). They had similar tasks but their target groups differed. We see a different breakdown of responsibilities in 1 Corinthians 3 where Paul “planted the seed, Apollos watered it” (1 Cor. 3:5-6). In the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30), Jesus taught that though entrusted with differing measures of responsibility, each person was held accountable for what they had been given.
- Church leaders, when you delegate a task to another person, no matter what it is, help the person understand that it’s an entrustment. The whole of our lives is to be influenced by the Gospel (Phil. 1:27). Build a system of accountability into the process.
- Treat the person to whom the task is delegated as a valued partner or co-worker.
We are called “co-workers in God’s service” (1 Cor. 3:9) though God Himself ultimately holds all authority and is the One who changes lives through the power of His Gospel, not us (1 Cor. 3:7). If God treats us as co-workers, shouldn’t we do the same with those to whom we delegate responsibilities? That’s how the Apostle Paul communicated with the people in the Church at Philippi. He referred to their “partnership in the gospel” (Phil. 1:5).
- Church leaders, examine your heart for what motivates you to delegate. Is it because you want others to join with you in the work God has entrusted to you? Or, do you see it merely as a way to relinquish your less important work to those who aren’t as important or needed as you?
- Be honest with the person about what to expect.
Jesus clearly informed His disciples that following Him and the Gospel would come at a cost but also with reward. He didn’t candy-coat the level of commitment He required. And, He made it clear that the reward wouldn’t always be tangible or immediate. (See Mark 8:34-35; 10:29-31). Jesus spoke honestly about what to expect.
- Church leaders, beware of deceitful, bait and switch tactics wherein you minimize the time and effort you know it will take to complete the task. Be realistic about what the person to whom you’re delegating should expect. Some tasks seem like thankless jobs. Some tasks don’t seem like they do much to directly advance the Gospel and God’s kingdom. Help people see the big picture.
More: Resources about the Gospel
All Posts about Delegation:
- What Does Delegation Have to do with Love?
- Delegation Done Purposefully
- Basis for Delegating
- Lessons about Delegation from Jesus
- Christ-like Goal in Delegating
- What If Jesus Hadn’t Delegated?
- Only God Truly Empowers
- Delegation Influenced by the Gospel
- Delegation Influenced by Grace
- Leaders’ Spiritual Gifting May Affect Delegating
- Who to Delegate to Based on Spiritual Gifts
- Avoiding Pitfalls of Delegation
- Delegation Enveloped in Prayer
- Delegation Because of the Resurrected Jesus
- Realistically View Delegation