Thoughts on Empowering Leaders
One thing I need to work on more and more as a leader is to take notice of, then empower potential leaders. I am no one-man-show. As John the Baptist said,” I must decrease, so that He may increase.” (John 3:30 paraphrased) Whatever I can do as a leader to advance God’s Kingdom must be done. If that means allowing other leaders to shine where I do not, or to give them an opportunity even in areas that I accelerate in, so be it. Even though it’s tempting, I’m not ultimately interested in building an earthly kingdom where I become some sort of celebrity. I want to take part in building an eternal Kingdom where Jesus becomes THE celebrity.
So I currently am seeking out and recruiting talent (especially of those who are younger than me) so that I might be a catalyst of empowerment and encouragement for them to do the things that they’re gifted and talented at in order to advance God’s Kingdom.
My father and my brother-in-law saw potential in me and allowed me the opportunity to develop it and for that I am forever grateful. Now, I too , must learn from them and duplicate what they invested in me with those younger than me or who have not yet had their potential recognized and fostered.
This, to be honest, is not something I’m personally passionate about as a leader. I am most passionate about evangelism. But it is something that I see a need for and am excited to pursue it as a passion so that I will become more and more passionate about it.
In doing so though, I need to make sure that I don’t give people opportunity to do things that they’re just not good at. I need to be honest and steer them away from things they’re not inclined to do, and push them toasted things they are- even if feelings are hurt from time to time. I also need to find avenues for those to explore their talents and potential, then increase their skill in them, in order to prepare them for quality public usage of those gifts.
Allowing someone too much “stage time” with a gift that is not very good could give them a false security that they have no need to improve, and could push away those they are ‘ministering’ to.
Today I had the privilege to meet with two young leaders that I am so excited to work with and foster growth within. I will be intentional in making sure they are empowered to do the things they are passionate about and advance the Kingdom where they shine the best.
Yesterday I was thrilled to give up the “pulpit” I regularly speak from to allow my nephew the opportunity to be empowered in using the speaking and leadership gift God is developing in him. And I can’t wait to see where God takes him!
Wherever God leads those He has entrusted to my care, I will be happy to send them off blessed and empowered for ministry; not a jealous leader who hoards all of the good ministers to himself.
In Kindergarten I was officially voted 'Most Inquisitive'.
I have been asking questions ever since as I believe that they are the catalyst to discovering the world all around us.
The answers to these questions have led me into an everlasting committed relationship with Jesus Christ, into a marriage with the love of my life, and into being the father of the two most beautiful children on earth.
It is my personal mission to glorify God with my life, advance His Kingdom through my ministry, and to love my family with everything I have.
I am the Pastor at Fellowship Church in Salem, Oregon and these are my thoughts on life.
“Preach, baptize, make disciples” …….. Good job.
I like it!