Monday, November 5, 2007

How Do You Spell Leadership #4


Delegate Without Ignoring Responsibilities.

Do you remember when Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, saw how Moses was trying to judge every matter for all the people of Israel (Exodus 18:13-22)? Jethro said, "So Moses’ father-in-law said to him, 'The thing that you do is not good...'" It was because one man could not do what Moses was trying to do. It was not fair to Moses or the people. Jethro gave Moses some advice. It can be summed up in one word -- DELEGATE! When the work load is spread around, so much more can be accomplished. Furthermore, that same work can be done more efficiently and effectively.

On the other hand, a leader must not ignore or neglect his responsibility. It is not good for the church or the people involved when elders expect preachers to shepherd the flock. It is not right for elders to not allow and/or expect deacons to do their jobs. Deacons can also be allowed to make some decisions within stated parameters.

Jethro's advice to Moses in Exodus 18 shows us that the art of delegating involves using a certain kind of people (21). It also demands organization and job descriptions (21). Finally, delegating means we must let them do their job (22).

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