Power of Delegation

Have you ever felt this way?

• “It is much easier just to do it myself. What I can do in ten minutes, takes me fifteen minutes just to explain it.”
• “I’m really not sure if others are competent enough to take on the responsibility. I’ve been burned too many times.”
• “If you want something done right, do it yourself.”

We often focus only on the short term benefits and doubt others abilities but it’s important to let others lead. Delegating tasks can help others grow in their faith. If you are not challenging those around you to take on leadership roles, you may be inadvertently hampering their spiritual growth.

Here are some tips for delegating tasks:

• Know the skill yourself. Before you can pass it on, you need to know the skill. You don’t have to be an expert, but you do need to have done it a few times and have something to teach them.
• Train them in the skill. Teach them how to do the skill, practice with them, and believe in them. People can learn so much more by doing on their own.
• Be patient. Everyone makes mistakes at first. Always remember that shaky beginnings are part of the process.
• Be encouraging. Praise them for their efforts. Talk about the courage it took to get up there, tell them a few things they did really well, help them know that you are very pleased with them. Then choose one thing they could improve on. Remind them they’ll iron out the negatives as they get more experience.
• Give them another chance. Don’t let too much time pass before putting them in a leadership position again. Help them begin to see leading as a part of who they are, and not just something they did once.

Be honest with yourself. Which of these “excuses” are the biggest hindrance to you delegating ministry tasks? Why do you feel the need to do everything yourself? What are the benefits of good delegation?

• “It is much easier just to do it myself. What I can do in ten minutes, takes me fifteen minutes just to explain it.”
• “I’m really not sure if others are competent enough to take on the responsibility. I’ve been burned too many times.”
• “If you want something done right, do it yourself.”

Challenge your volunteer(s) to do 1-2 tasks that you usually do. Be prepared for them to make mistakes, but watch how God helps them grow.