Leadership skill development is important, like learning how to delegate. Though helpful, we don’t have to attend workshops or read all the latest books for leaders to learn what we need to know about delegation. We already have a manual for church leadership practices and responsibilities — the Word of God.
Scripture Gives Us the Basis for Delegating So We Keep Our Motivations in Check
More than relieving us of work, it’s about the benefit to the Body. — “… so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:12-13)
God designed the Church to be interdependent (Rom. 12, 1 Cor. 12). When we don’t delegate, we deprive some of doing their part. — “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Pet. 4:10) When, on the other hand, we do properly delegate, we experience mutual benefit. As leaders we’re freed up to do other work and will be less prone to burn out (Exodus 18:17-19). Others will be blessed, and needs will be met (Exodus 18:23).
The Bible Gives Us Examples From Which We Can Draw Many Principles about How to Delegate
The Word doesn’t just instruct us to delegate but also shows us how through examples, beginning with God in the Garden of Eden when He gave mankind responsibilities of ruling over the earth (Gen. 1:28-30). He also gave Adam the responsibility of naming the animals (Gen. 2:15-20). God could have done all that Himself but chose to involve those He created. Throughout Scripture we also see God delegating tasks to the angels (Lk. 1:26-38).
Jesus continued the practice of delegating to His disciples (Lk. 9:1-6; 10:1-24). Before ascending back to heaven, He commissioned them to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20).
Here are a few other examples of delegating from which we can learn:
- Moses (Ex. 18:13-26; Num. 11:10-17)
- The Apostles in Care of the Widows (Acts 6:1-7)
- The Apostle Paul sending others to follow-up with churches and set things in order (1 Cor. 4:17; Titus 1:5)
God’s Word Gives Us Qualifications for Delegation to Increase the Potential of It Being a Good Experience
Leaders must “equip his people for works of service” (Eph. 4:11-12). Not doing so could be setting people up for failure. We must also carefully consider those to whom we delegate various responsibilities. Not only should we consider who is qualified by gifting for the task but also who is reliable (2 Tim. 2:2). Sometimes we may start with something with less responsibility and then if they prove trustworthy and faithful, we can entrust them with more (Lk. 16:10-12).
For More, Go To: Resources about God’s Word
All Practicum 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
- Delegation Protected in the Name of the Lord
- Delegation Learned Through the Word
- Leaders Who are Good Stewards Tend to Delegate More
- Delegation Propelled by the Holy Spirit