What Does It Mean To Be A Leader?

Here are some random thoughts about Leaders who do not delegate:

There are times when you have to pull the church trailer, unload it, set up church equipment, change light bulbs, sweep and mop floors, greet guests, fold worship guides, make coffee, and then, preach a sermon that is relevant to all listeners from ages 8-55. This is just a few things a pastor does when he doesn't delegate.

First of all, I desire to be a good leader. I desire to be a man who equips the saints for ministry. But, I find myself doing a lot of the work that someone else could do. There are so many jobs people in our church should be doing, but we (the leaders) have yet to release them to their inheritance. To their inheritance...what does that mean? Joshua 24: 28, "28 So Joshua let the people depart, each to his own inheritance."

Joshua had delivered his "State of the Nation" address in Joshua 24:14-28. In verse 28, Joshua let the people depart (released them to the ministry). I realize that if new churches (like StoneBridge) are going to make a significant impact on their communities the leaders must release people to do ministry. There are people in our churches ready to work, but we have yet to release them. Therefore, we struggle with larger tasks, because we have not released others to work the smaller tasks.

So, how do we change this perpetual problem? Let me give an example.

Let's just say you start a new job and your boss says, "Alrighty then, we are glad you are now an employee of Frank's Italian Restaurant. Here's your new uniform, good luck, we'll see you at the end of the day." You say, "What am I supposed to do? How do I make Spicy Meatballs, Homemade Spaghetti, and delicious Garlic Bread? Isn't there any on the job training, (boring) videos, or folders describing my position?" He says, "Nope, this is it baby! You are going to do great." Strange, isn't it? This is exactly what most spiritual leaders do with their people (including me). We expect our church people to know what to do, but yet, we haven't given them any on the job training, no boring videos and definitely not any description of what is expected out of them.

If we are going to see change, we (leaders) must make the change. Leaders are called to equip people for ministry. Too many times we are afraid to delegate because it might not get done the way we expect it to get done. Or, we are to afraid to ask people to do it. If StoneBridge is going to go forward, we must learn the art of delegation. If we don't, we'll continue to be a church with a cool worship leader and mediocre preaching. Oh yea, we'll be able to brag that we're the only church in town with cup holders (that is, until Chestnut Ridge Church finishes their building).

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to vent a little.