Tag: teamwork

Solo Leadership = Short Leadership

Those who insist on leading on their own don’t last long.  They get burned out sooner than others.  They also tend to become frustrated and confused quickly when a situation does not seem to go the way they expect.

overwhelmed

We’ve all been there at least once or twice.  I know I have.  Still today, I have a tendency to ‘own’ my work load and just want to get things done.   But when things become heavier than usual, that’s when we need to lean on the support of others the most.   Take a look at this prime example with Moses.

But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side.  So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.   Exodus 17:12

What if Moses had said to Aaron and Hur, “Hey, back off.  I’ve got this.  I’m Moses.  God has called me to this task.”  Joshua and the Israelites would have surely lost that battle.   Now, when God calls us to accomplish something for Him, yes….we are responsible for ensuring that it gets done.  But unless the Lord specifically instructs us to ‘go it alone,’ what could be better than sharing that charge and victory with others?

Please don’t get me wrong.  Yes, God does call some believers to larger tasks than others.  That does not mean that we shouldn’t allow other gifted, willing, and faithful believers to come along side us and help.   Personally, I am in one of those seasons where I am constantly relying on the support of my staff team and volunteers.

What about you?  Do you struggle with accepting help with what God has put you in charge of?  If so, just recognize it.  Try making a list of all the tasks you have before you that are weighing you down.  Then pray over them and ask the Lord which tasks you could empower others to do.  Then consider who you could ask.  This was a huge step for me over 10 years ago, so I know it isn’t easy at first.  But trust me.  It gets easier the more you do it and it will make you a better leader.

What are you waiting for?  List…Pray…Empower.

Join the discussion.  Leave a comment or share this with someone else.

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Team Appreciation is Important

photo by: www.careerealism.com
photo by: http://www.careerealism.com

Recently, our church in Columbus, GA hosted yet another Summer VBS event.  My wife is the Children’s Pastor, and this year she surrounded herself with some of the strongest teams and leaders we’ve ever worked with.  Together, we have lead VBS-type events for about 20 years.   I can tell you that this one will stand out as one of the most memorable.

In the past, I’ve typically viewed VBS work to be physically exhausting.  This one, however, was emotionally traumatizing!  From the outside observer’s perspective, it clearly looked like a very well-organized, fun, and intentional outreach event (we were actually told this).  The dozen or so of us who were key leaders and organizers, however, were confused when we heard this.  You see, to us things were barely holding together.

Let me explain.

There was one little boy, among a few others, who was a handful regarding behavior.  Discipline issues became a nightly norm.  But we quickly realized that this boy’s childhood experiences thus far have been very difficult. And when I say ‘difficult’ I mean that he’s been through more than any human being should ever endure….whether they are 7 years old or 70.

– Praying with leaders who are overwhelmed.

– Talking with parents on the phone during the day.

– Looking at assistance options beyond VBS for families.

These are things that the key event coordinators may not have been able to give as much needed time to had there not been these amazing volunteers and teams.  They were reliable, excited, and dedicated.

So….let me say, “THANK YOU!” 

Thank  you to all who helped in ANY WAY to make this year’s VBS a true outreach.

If you lead a team, built relationships with kids, crunched numbers, decorated, taught the Bible, performed, prayed, cleaned up, donated supplies, etc……you made a difference in a kid’s life.

It was a privilege to work side-by-side with you all.  Your hearts for kids/families and for Kingdom work is evident.

THANK YOU