While Jesus lived on earth and discipled His followers, He would send them out. Jesus knew that with the delegation of His work could come perils and persecution. He said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves” (Mk. 10:16). Yet, toward the end of His time on earth He was able to pray to the Father, “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.” (Jn. 17:12).
The Perils in Delegation
Tasks church leaders today delegate may not lead to the same kind of issues as those in Jesus’ day but nonetheless can provide the need for the protective power of Jesus’ name.
We need protection from ourselves. As leaders we might be tempted to micromanage but we’re not to lord it over people entrusted to our care (1 Pet. 5:3). Jesus provided instruction prior to sending the disciples out and gave feedback when they returned but He did not micromanage every step.
Those to whom we delegate need protection. Like some of Jesus’ disciples, people may start to compare and compete, thinking they must be a bit superior since we chose them. Jesus, however, reminded His disciples that life and ministry in Him isn’t about who’s first or the greatest but rather about humbly serving (Matt. 20:20-28; Lk. 22:24-27).
The Protective Power in the Name of the Lord When Delegating
Jesus was able to keep His disciples safe by His name for God gave Him a “name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). Let’s not fool ourselves into thinking we have that same kind of ability. Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). To be effective, we must do whatever we do “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).
We set people up for failure or misaligned priorities and perspectives when we act like we’re the one empowering people to complete the task delegated to them. Sure, like Jesus, we need to pray about those we choose, train, and support them, but we do it all in Jesus’ name. That’s how the process of delegating gets protected. That’s where we find help from our own insecurities, pride, or natural tendencies to control.
For More, Go To: Resources about the Name of the Lord
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
- 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