Developing Depth Through Ministry

Over the years I have learned the hard way that doing the job alone, just doesn’t work. I should have listened to Three Dog Night. They tried to teach me that “One Is The Loneliest Number That You’ll Ever Do”, but I just would not listen. Being a avid football fan I should have noticed that the teams with the most depth at key positions always win championships! (Roll Tide, Go Saints!)  Moses also learned the hard way about doing the job alone. In Exodus chapter 18 we are told about how Moses did everything in ministry by himself and it was causing problems on the job. It was hard on the people as well, it was also not good for Moses, and it was not good for his family. Jethro, Moses father-in-law gave him some very wise advise and counsel. Simply put he was told to build depth!

 I know what you are thinking, “My volunteers can’t teach a class or do children’s ministry as well as I can.” That may be true but there was a time in your life when you could not minister as good as you can now. Someone allowed you to sorry all over a group of kids and get better by doing the ministry hands on. We must give our volunteers the same chance we were given to learn by doing. If you are doing things that others can do, it will keep you from doing what only you can do. When you are doing the things in ministry that only you can do that is when you will hear well done my good and faithful servant. Let’s take a look at the most famous biblical account of delegation. It’s found in Acts 6 verses 1-4 “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." Here we see it first hand, the disciples were being kept from doing what only they could do, by doing a project in ministry that others could do. There are people in your church who need to be needed more than you need the help. They will never be able to rise up and free you to do what only you can do and to accomplish what you have been put on this earth to accomplish if you continue to do most of the ministry as well as the majority of the oversight yourself.

The world would be in a mess without supervisors and coordinators to serve us in middle management positions. Why can’t we set up middle managers to help us. Phone calls and the returning of messages are some other projects that can be easily delegated to others. I would recommend that you be slow to delegate the handling of difficult decisions to others. Jethro warned Moses of this very thing in Exodus 18: 21-22.”But select capable men from all the people --men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain --and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. “ You cannot delegate the responsibilities of building relationships with your key workers. This is a job that you must do. Defining the vision, evaluation or fruit inspection as well as being ultimately responsible for the success of the children’s ministry of your church are projects only the leader should do.

With these things in mind let’s take a look at ten steps I use in effective delegation that will help you to develop depth in your volunteers through action and cause you to be a master of delegation and duplication.

1. Identify what you need to be doing. Let’s take a look at Acts 6: 2 one more time. “So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” The disciples were not too good to wait tables but this project was keeping them from what they needed to be doing. There are loads of good ideas and projects that keep us from doing the God inspired and directed projects, He has for us to do. I have come to realize that It’s more important that I train, guide, manage and recruit than teach, sing, perform and be the only person that the children identify with. The best thing I can do to grow is to allow others to be involved and not be a one man show.

2. Identify things others can do and let them do it. Start with jobs you are doing that others could do if they were properly trained and coached. Next identify areas you could use a worker if people were no problem. Don’t think that the same actions will bring different results because same actions always bring the same results. “If you want what you have never had, you must be willing to do what you have never done!” The same is true for every volunteer. You can’t build depth without allowing others to have playing time!

3. Qualify all workers. The disciples didn’t just turn this responsibility over to just anybody. They found people from among them. People who were known. There were requirements needed to do the job like being full of the Spirit and being full of wisdom. Jethro also gave Moses requirements for workers in Exodus 18:21 “But select capable men from all the people --men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. A major rule of delegation is qualify who you delegate responsibility to. Are they capable and able?

4. Define exactly what you want done. Everyone needs a job description. Especially volunteers! They also need checklist to show them what you want them to do as well as to provide a way to communicate with you what was done. Remember to always do what is best for the children and not what is only best for adults. Rotation doesn’t work in building volunteers through action. Look at verse 22 of Exodus 18, “Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. This was not a once a month job but something that was an all the time commitment.

5. Train and teach those you recruit. Exodus 18:20 tells us to “Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform. You must model to others how you want it done. Classes are good, but hands on training is better. Christians are the only people group I know that confuse the word training with verbal instruction. Every secular job that offers training does so by verbal communication in addition to the hands on training and mentoring. You don’t have to be the only model. I use my staff, master teachers and coordinators to help me train and equip others. Everyone should be helping in the training and equipping process. 

more to come...

Delegate or Die: Developing Volunteers Through Ministry-Part 4

10. Dare to confront others .  When you see things that need to be done differently gently confront them..  Don’t wait on things to become a problem, be on the offence and deal with things as they come up.

11. Make corrections and changes when necessary.  What if they quit?  Why be negative, If they quit they quit but what if they change and become a super leader?  If it’s not broke don’t fix it, in other words don’t make changes just for the sake of change.  Every service can be better than the last one if you make changes and corrections each week.  I make a list each Sunday, then spend my week correcting that list then next week, I get to make a new list.

12. Don’t let your volunteers get in a rut.  Don’t keep doing the same old stuff in ministry.  Watch out for complacency.  Be on the look out for familiarity.  Remember variety is the spice of life.  Keep volunteers excited and doing new things.  Each week I look for things I can suggest to my volunteers, have you tried this?  Keep things different.  Different is good!

13. Always set the pace, be the leader.  Be the kind of person you would like to work for.  Dare to lead no matter what.  Give your volunteers an example to follow and a model worth imitating.  

14. Don’t fret about what you don’t have, concentrate on what you have.  So many children’s ministers I know always talk about how many workers they don’t have instead of thanking God for the workers they do have and committing yourself to help each of them find their next level as a leader.

Lead who will follow.  If all you have to lead are kids, start with the kids.  It doesn’t matter how many workers you need, start where you are.  Jesus needed twelve disciples but he didn’t recruit all twelve at the same time.  He recruited them in ones and twos.  If you have a few faithful teens, lead them.  If you only have a few key adults, lead them.  When you pour yourself into improving the ability of those around you.  God will give you more.  You see when you do small things well, God will make you a ruler over more.  But the starting point is always right where you are.

15. As you experience success don’t forget about the things you did that caused you to gain success.  Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.  Don’t quit doing what has worked for you.   Remember to “dance with the girl that brought us to the dance.”  As your ministry grows keep a closeness among the workers.  We are a big church with a small church closeness.  Ask others about things that you have done they enjoyed or that they miss.  I now have people on my staff that serve me, that where kids in my children’s ministry.  I love to ask them “What were the things I did, or activities we had that stand out in your mind?”  I’m finding that things that have worked in the past will work again.   Also I’ve learned it’s the little things we do in ministry that really count.  I try to encourage my workers to not abandon the things they are doing that are working.  

Delegation is not an option for those who want to succeed in ministry.  But to succeed you must take inventory of where you are.  Start small and go from there.  I try to recruit my team one worker at a time.  Ask yourself and your volunteers, “What do I need to do differently?” What volunteers do you see potential in?  Commit to coach volunteers and let them learn by doing.  What are you waiting on?  Delegate or Die!

Delegate or Die: Developing Volunteers Through Ministry-Part 3

4. Define exactly what you want done.  Everyone needs a job description.  Especially volunteers!  They also need checklist to show them what you want them to do as well as to provide a way to communicate with you what was done.  Remember to always do what is best for the children and not what is only best for adults.  Rotation doesn’t work in building volunteers through action.  Look at verse 22 of Exodus 18, “Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.  This was not a once a month job but something that was an all the time commitment.

5. Train and teach those you recruit. Exodus 18:20 tells us to “Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.  You must model to others how you want it done.  Classes are good, but hands on training is better.  Christians are the only people group I know that confuse the word training with verbal instruction.  Every secular job that offers training does so by verbal communication in addition to the hands on training and mentoring.  You don’t have to be the only model.  I use my master teachers and coordinators to help me train and equip others.  Everyone  should be helping in the training and equipping process.

6. Push authority down!  It is extremely important that you always delegate authority along with responsibility.  One of the dumbest sayings I know is “The buck stops here.” There are many places for the buck to stop when you give authority to others.  Those you delegate to can mot carry out the tasks that you desire without the  authority.

7. Put your heart into the level of leadership under you.  A person cannot represent you well if they don’t have your heart.  You cannot put your heart into your volunteer leaders without making a commitment to spend time with them. Always take someone with you whenever you can.  Be quick to pass on what you know to someone else.  Allow those around you to ask questions. Establish excellent lines of communication.  Take advantage of every communication tool available.  I use meetings, memos, newsletters, faxes, and e-mails.  

8. Establish accountability with those you delegate to.  Teach your volunteers how authority works.  Help them to understand the chain of command.  I love flow charts, they are the simplest way to show others structure and authority.  Remember Jesus said the greatest faith in all of Israel was found in a man who understood how authority worked.  Weekly reports are a must to help you follow-up on what others are doing.  Remember people don’t do what you expect, they do what you inspect!

9. Support and encourage those who help you.  It is imperative that you build a support structure around your volunteers.  This might sound wild but the best way I know to show others you believe in them is by releasing them to do the work of the ministry.  Ephesians 4:11-12 says “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”  Our job is not to do all the work in Children’s Ministry but to train up others and prepare them for works of service.  In the same way we must lead others by encouragement.  This is not as hard as you may think.  Here are five sure fired ways to encourage your volunteers. #1. Say thank you constantly. #2. Catch people doing things right.  Complement your volunteers in a job well done.  #3. Take the calls of your volunteers. #4. Check on your volunteers and see how they are doing.  Use your M.B.W.A. degree. Management by walking around. #5.  Help others be better at what they do, every chance you get.

Delegate or Die: Developing Volunteers Through Ministry-Part 2

There are some projects that are easier to delegate than others.  There are other projects that you should never delegate or if you do delegate, delegate with caution.  Some of the responsibilities I have chosen to delegate are teaching, care-giving things like Hospital visitation, some counseling, visitation, and follow-up.  You can also delegate some of the oversight of children’s ministry.  The world would be in a mess without supervisors and coordinators to serve us in middle management positions. Why can’t we set up middle managers to help us. Phone calls and the returning of messages are some other projects that can be easily delegated to others.  I would recommend that you be slow to delegate the handling of difficult decisions to others.  Jethro warned Moses of this very thing in Exodus 18: 21-22.”But select capable men from all the people --men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain --and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. “  You cannot delegate the responsibilities of building relationships with your key workers. This is a job that you must do.  Defining the vision, evaluation or fruit inspection as well as being ultimately responsible for the success of the children’s ministry of your church are projects only the leader should do.  

With these things in mind let’s take a look at fifteen steps I use in  effective delegation that will help you to develop your volunteers through action and cause you to be a master of delegation.

1. Identify what you need to be doing.  Let’s take a look at Acts 6: 2 one more time.  “So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.”  The disciples were not too good to wait tables but this project was keeping them from what they needed to be doing.  There are loads of good ideas and projects that keep us from doing the God inspired and directed projects, He has for us to do.  I have come to realize that It’s more important that I train, guide, manage and recruit than teach, sing, perform and be the only person that the children identify with.  The best thing I can do to grow is to allow others to be involved and not be a one man show.

2. Identify things others can do and let them do it.  Start with jobs you are doing that others could do if they were properly trained and coached.  Next identify areas you could use a worker if people were no problem.  Don’t think that the same actions will bring different results because same actions always bring the same results.  “If you want what you have never had, you must be willing to do what you have never done!”  The same is true for every volunteer.

3. Qualify all workers.  The disciples didn’t just turn this responsibility over to just anybody.  They found people from among them.  People who were known.  There were requirements needed to do the job like being full of the Spirit and being full of wisdom. Jethro also gave Moses requirements for workers in Exodus 18:21   “But select capable men from all the people --men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  A major rule of delegation is qualify who you delegate responsibility to.  Are they capable and able?

to be continued...

Delegate or Die: Developing Volunteers Through Ministry

Over the years I have learned the hard way that doing the job alone, just doesn’t work.  I should have listened to Three Dog Night.  They tried to teach me that “One Is The Loneliest Number That You’ll Ever Do”, but I just would not listen.  Moses also learned the hard way about doing the job alone.  In Exodus chapter 18 we are told about how Moses did everything in ministry by himself and it was causing problems on the job.  It was hard on the people as well, it was also not good for Moses, and it was not good for his family.  Jethro, Moses father-in-law gave him some very wise advise and counsel.  Simply put he was told to delegate or die.

. There is a right and wrong way to delegate ministry to others.  Mr. Webster defines delegation as a person or persons appointed to represent us.  Delegation is not finding someone who is willing and dumping part of your ministry responsibilities on them.  We need others to represent us.  But this cannot happen if you don’t take the necessary steps to make it happen and develop volunteers through action.  We must allow others to get involved.  I know what you are thinking.  My volunteers can’t teach a class or do children’s ministry as well as I can.  That may be true but there was a time in your life when you could not minister as good as you can now.  Someone allowed you to sorry all over a group of kids and get better by doing the ministry hands on.  We must give our volunteers the same chance we were given to learn by doing.

We’ve been called by Jesus to produce fruit that remains.  John 15:16 says “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit --fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”  You cannot build fruit that will last without putting into others. John Maxwell has taught us, “There is no success without a successor!”  If you are doing things that others can do, it will keep you from doing what only you can do.  When you are doing the things in ministry that only you can do that is when you will hear well done my good and faithful servant.  Let’s take a look at the most famous biblical account of delegation.  It’s found in Acts 6 verses 1-4 “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.  So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.  Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."  Here we see it first hand, the disciples were being kept from doing what only they could do, by doing a project in ministry that others could do.  There are people in your church who need to be needed more than you need the help.  They will never be able to rise up and free you to do what only you can do and to accomplish what you have been put on this earth to accomplish if you continue to do most of the ministry as well as the majority of the oversight yourself.

more to come...

What Volunteers Are Looking For In A Leader

Here’s what I know about Americans give them a cause and a hero and they’ll rally around them both. As a Children’s Ministry Leader you have a cause. And guess what? Jesus wants to use you to be the hero. You not a true leader if no one is following. I believe there are seven things volunteers are looking for in a leader.

1. People are looking for a leader with vision. People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Have you ever noticed losing teams don’t sell much merchandise. But everyone wants to identify with a winner. When you show up with a God inspired vision people will hook up and run with it.

2. People want a leader who possesses strength. 2Timothy 2:1 says “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” What this is telling us is that we can be confident in our calling as a children’s ministry leader. God equipts those He calls. We must possess the strength Jesus gives. Remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!

3. People want a leader with a plan. If a general has a battle plan and a successful coach has a game plan why do we in children’s ministry think we can succeed without a plan?

4. People want excellence. Only 38% of parents in America say clergy are doing an “excellent” or “good” job. That tells me 62% of parents think excellence is missing.

5. Volunteers want to be informed. Communication is a must. Hosea 4:6 tells us “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Do your helpers know your vision, purpose, plan & structure? Communication is hard work it doesn’t happen on it’s on. I use brochures, newsletters, calendars, meetings, e-mail, and websites , just to name a few.

6. People want to be a part of a real move of God. Half of all Adults in America agree that “most churches are more interested in raising money than helping people.” One of the most asked questions I hear is “How do you get parents to not think of your ministry as baby sitting?” That’s simple, Don’t baby sit. Are kids getting saved. Are they lovers of the Word? Do they live what they learn? Don’t play church, have church!

7. People want a leader who doesn’t rely on past accomplishments but still leads. An up to-date leader points others to their next level.

What have you done for your volunteers lately. Keep pointing the way, setting the pace and be the leader others want to follow.

Spoiling Your Volunteers

I love being spoiled. My wife has spoiled me for over 32 years. My daughters have spoiled their dad all their life, my employees spoil me at the office on a regular basis. Because I like it so much I want to spoil others. A great goal for any kidmin leader is to purpose in your heart to spoil your volunteers outside their classrooms as well as in. You’ve heard me say this before, you gain those you serve. It’s a spiritual law. Christ Jesus came to serve not to be served.

 Here’s my top 10 List for you to stand out in your church as a leader who serves their volunteers 

1. Return all phone calls and answer all emails quickly. It’s hard to believe that this one step will single handily set you apart from most busy leaders in America. It’s also the best way I know to communicate you care about those who serve you
When you are at your desk answer your phone. If you have voice mail change your message to inform people if you are unable to return their message quickly. Also if your phone is not answered by a live person always leave your extention number. When you’re calling others especially their cell phone find out whether your telephone call is welcome or intrusive. Always ask if it’s a good time to talk.

2. Remember to say please and thank you. These two words are still magic words to cause volunteers to feel appreciated. Always write a personal thank-you note for special favors within two days. When you can write a personal note when you sign your name on form letters. 

3. Never miss a deadline. If it looks like you’re going to be late, negotiate and change it. If you can’t change it, get some help. Never promise performance unless you can deliver. Always under promise, over deliver.

4. When you communicate in person communicate with eye contact. Always look people in the eye. Call your volunteers by name.

5. Solicit criticism and accept it without being defensive. I constantly ask others how can we improve what we do. Smart leaders listen to their volunteers. 

6. Repent quick. Never be afraid of saying “I’m sorry” or I apologize”, Admit any error immediately. Report it to the person who can solve or repair it the fastest.

7. Before beginning any discussion, clearly state the purpose, the desired outcome, and the key objective. Before entering a serious negotiation, decide what you are willing to give up.

8. Keep up to date on the latest technologies. Learn as much as you can on new developments. Supply your volunteers with whatever resources, equipment and materials that they need to excel.

9. Raise everyone’s educational and interest level by distributing a timely article or clever quotation. Show your volunteers you really care and buy them a copy of one of my books.

10. Don’t plan too many meetings. Use other ways to communicate other than meetings. Desire to be a family church that allows for family time.

Motivating Workers With Thanks

Tonight we are having our annual Worker Celebration. It's one of my favorite events of the year. When I first met the WOC folks was when they attended a conference I was hosting in April 2006. They ask if I could come and help them with their new building and they booked me for December 2006 and also May 2007. By the time I showed up in May 2007 to speak at the Worker Celebration I had begun a new chapter in my life.  Who new that in just 7 months later I'd move to Tennessee. Tonight will be my 5th Celebration in a row. My good friend Johnny Rogers is going to be speaking and I'm excited about kicking off our new recruiting year. I think one of the best way to motavate others is with thanks! Having a Celebration is just one way here's some others...

It is always the right thing to do to give thanks and be thankful.

It’s not just a seasonal thing. It should be a way of life for the Christian. Not only should we practice thanks living but we should also practice thanks giving. All of us like to hear thank you that includes your volunteers.

Here are some practical ideas to motivate your workers with thanks:

1. Begin to say it. Get in the habit of saying thanks. If the Apostle Paul can tell people he thanks God for them every time he thinks about them we can too! Walk around before service & thank workers personally. When you are in front of a group of workers- say thanks. Be on the lookout by catching people doing things right.

2. Begin to write it. The best purchase any children’s leader could make is a box of thank you notes. Write a heartfelt note to your leaders when they’ve done something thanks-worthy. A couple of times a year as well as after every major event send a letter to say thanks. Even a form letter is better than no thank-you at all. Always sign each letter personally and write a short note to personalize it.

Don’t forget Christmas cards, Valentine cards, Birthday cards and Anniversary cards. I’ve found that when I write a personal note on all reports, forms and checklist workers complete so they know you read them and know what they are accomplishing.

3. Begin to show it. Candy treats and little sayings are cute but nothing says thanks better than letting your actions speak louder than words. Things like special worker parking places, breakfast for your volunteers and their families before your earliest service, Worker Appreciation Day as well as a free CD of the service they work shows volunteers you really appreciate them.

4. Invest in them. Plan a retreat or special training event for your workforce that includes training, inspiration, and fun. Bring them as a group to a conference or seminar. Give them training products as gifts. I’m always purchasing books and teaching CD’s for my workers. If a book has blessed you bless someone else with it. I gave every key leader and coordinator in my ministry a copy of my book “Children’s Ministry Leadership-the you-can-do-it guide” sure they enjoyed the book but the fact that I invested in them spoke volumes to them. But the greatest investment is when you give them your time. I take key workers with me all the time; I look for ways to invest myself in them constantly.

It’s never the wrong time to begin to show thanks!

Make thanks giving and thanks living a part of your yearly calendar planning. Look for every opportunity to say thanks, write thanks, show thanks, and invest in your children’s ministry team! 

Developing Depth Through Ministry-Part 5

8.      Support and encourage those who help you.  It is imperative that you build a support structure around your volunteers. Our job is not to do all the work in Children’s Ministry but to train up others and prepare them for works of service.  In the same way we must lead others by encouragement.  This is not as hard as you may think.  Here are five sure fired ways to encourage your volunteers. #1. Say thank you constantly. #2. Catch people doing things right.  Complement your volunteers in a job well done.  #3. Take the calls of your volunteers. #4. Check on your volunteers and see how they are doing.  Use your M.B.W.A. degree. Management by walking around. #5.  Help others be better at what they do, every chance you get.

9.      Make corrections and changes when necessary.  What if they quit?  Why be negative, If they quit they quit but what if they change and become a super leader?  If it’s not broke don’t fix it, in other words don’t make changes just for the sake of change.  Every service can be better than the last one if you make changes and corrections each week.  I make a list each Sunday, then spend my week correcting that list then next week, I get to make a new list.

10.    Always set the pace, be the leader.  Be the kind of person you would like to work for.  Dare to lead no matter what.  Give your volunteers an example to follow and a model worth imitating. 

                  Delegation is not an option for those who want to succeed in ministry.  But to succeed you must take inventory of where you are.  Start small and go from there.  I try to recruit my team one worker at a time.  Ask yourself and your volunteers, “What do I need to do differently?” What volunteers do you see potential in?  Commit to coach volunteers and let them learn by doing and you’ll have depth to win championships!

Developing Depth Through Ministry-Part 4

4.      Define exactly what you want done.  Everyone needs a job description.  Especially volunteers!  They also need checklist to show them what you want them to do as well as to provide a way to communicate with you what was done.  Remember to always do what is best for the children and not what is only best for adults.  Rotation doesn’t work in building volunteers through action.  Look at verse 22 of Exodus 18, “Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.  This was not a once a month job but something that was an all the time commitment.

5.      Train and teach those you recruit. Exodus 18:20 tells us to “Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.  You must model to others how you want it done.  Classes are good, but hands on training is better.  Christians are the only people group I know that confuse the word training with verbal instruction.  Every secular job that offers training does so by verbal communication in addition to the hands on training and mentoring.  You don’t have to be the only model.  I use my staff, master teachers and coordinators to help me train and equip others.  Everyone  should be helping in the training and equipping process.

6.      Push authority down!  It is extremely important that you always delegate authority along with responsibility.  One of the dumbest sayings I know is “The buck stops here.” There are many places for the buck to stop when you give authority to others.  Those you delegate to can mot carry out the tasks that you desire without the  authority.

7.      Put your heart into the level of leadership under you.  A person cannot represent you well if they don’t have your heart.  You cannot put your heart into your volunteer leaders without making a commitment to spend time with them. Always take someone with you whenever you can.  Be quick to pass on what you know to someone else.  Allow those around you to ask questions. Establish excellent lines of communication.  Take advantage of every communication tool available.  I use meetings, newsletters and e-mails.  

Developing Depth Through Ministry-Part 3

With these things in mind let’s take a look at ten steps I use in  effective delegation that will help you to develop depth in your volunteers through action and cause you to be a master of delegation and duplication.

1.      Identify what you need to be doing.  Let’s take a look at Acts 6: 2 one more time.  “So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.”  The disciples were not too good to wait tables but this project was keeping them from what they needed to be doing.  There are loads of good ideas and projects that keep us from doing the God inspired and directed projects, He has for us to do.  I have come to realize that It’s more important that I train, guide, manage and recruit than teach, sing, perform and be the only person that the children identify with.  The best thing I can do to grow is to allow others to be involved and not be a one man show.

2.      Identify things others can do and let them do it.  Start with jobs you are doing that others could do if they were properly trained and coached.  Next identify areas you could use a worker if people were no problem.  Don’t think that the same actions will bring different results because same actions always bring the same results.  “If you want what you have never had, you must be willing to do what you have never done!”  The same is true for every volunteer. You can’t build depth without allowing others to have playing time!

3.      Qualify all workers.  The disciples didn’t just turn this responsibility over to just anybody.  They found people from among them.  People who were known.  There were requirements needed to do the job like being full of the Spirit and being full of wisdom. Jethro also gave Moses requirements for workers in Exodus 18:21   “But select capable men from all the people --men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  A major rule of delegation is qualify who you delegate responsibility to.  Are they capable and able?

Developing Depth Through Ministry-Part 2

If you are doing things that others can do, it will keep you from doing what only you can do.  When you are doing the things in ministry that only you can do that is when you will hear well done my good and faithful servant.  Let’s take a look at the most famous biblical account of delegation.  It’s found in Acts 6 verses 1-4 “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.  So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.  Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."  Here we see it first hand, the disciples were being kept from doing what only they could do, by doing a project in ministry that others could do.  There are people in your church who need to be needed more than you need the help.  They will never be able to rise up and free you to do what only you can do and to accomplish what you have been put on this earth to accomplish if you continue to do most of the ministry as well as the majority of the oversight yourself.

                  The world would be in a mess without supervisors and coordinators to serve us in middle management positions. Why can’t we set up middle managers to help us. Phone calls and the returning of messages are some other projects that can be easily delegated to others.  I would recommend that you be slow to delegate the handling of difficult decisions to others.  Jethro warned Moses of this very thing in Exodus 18: 21-22.”But select capable men from all the people --men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain --and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. “  You cannot delegate the responsibilities of building relationships with your key workers. This is a job that you must do.  Defining the vision, evaluation or fruit inspection as well as being ultimately responsible for the success of the children’s ministry of your church are projects only the leader should do.  

Developing Depth Through Ministry

Over the years I have learned the hard way that doing the job alone, just doesn’t work.  I should have listened to Three Dog Night.  They tried to teach me that “One Is The Loneliest Number That You’ll Ever Do”, but I just would not listen.  Being a avid football fan I should have noticed that the teams with the most depth at key positions always win championships! (Roll Tide, Go Saints!) Moses also learned the hard way about doing the job alone.  In Exodus chapter 18 we are told about how Moses did everything in ministry by himself and it was causing problems on the job.  It was hard on the people as well, it was also not good for Moses, and it was not good for his family.  Jethro, Moses father-in-law gave him some very wise advise and counsel.  Simply put he was told to build depth!

.                 I know what you are thinking, “My volunteers can’t teach a class or do children’s ministry as well as I can.”  That may be true but there was a time in your life when you could not minister as good as you can now.  Someone allowed you to sorry all over a group of kids and get better by doing the ministry hands on.  We must give our volunteers the same chance we were given to learn by doing.