Here's a follow-up to last week's blog entry. I hope you're keeping in mind that we're looking into what scriptures might be useful in designing a philosophy for your music and worship ministry. And I hope you remember that last week we looked at how, in 1 Chronicles 15: 16 -22, people were called out and trained according to their gifts, skills and abilities.
Today I want to remind you of the familiar story found in Exodus 18: 13 -26. Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, noticed him working day and night, judging the peoples' cases, hearing all the evidence, and basically wearing himself out. “What you are doing is not good!” Jethro said. “Get some help. Recruit some assistants. Spread out the work.”
That's good advice for us, too. By distributing responsibilities, we accomplish greater things, we de-centralize the ministry, and we help everyone “buy into” the task at hand. Everyone loves having an active part in a ministry with an upward trajectory. So, how can you encourage more ownership in your ministry by those who are already involved?
You might want to consider installing some version of the standard “slate of officers” for different areas you oversee. But, let me suggest this: rather than simply finding people to fill already designated, or pre-supposed roles, take an honest look at what needs to be accomplished, where you could use some assistance, and what might at some point be a good idea, but isn't really essential right now. Then find those people who have obvious gifts, skills and abilities to take on these roles.
And remember that our role as leaders isn't necessarily to do all the work. Our role – if we can believe Ephesians 4: 11 & 12 at all – is to equip the saints.
