Home Children's Ministry Leaders Articles for Children's Ministry Leaders Delegation: Why You Don't Do It, How to Get Over It and...

Delegation: Why You Don't Do It, How to Get Over It and 5 Things to Never Delegate

Delegation is a vital part of being a good Children’s Ministry Leader.  But that’s easier said than done at times.

Here’s five reasons why leaders don’t delegate (and how to get over it).

 “It will be quicker if I just do it myself.”
Yes, maybe this time, but not if you take the long look.  When you make time to train others, you multiple yourself.  The time you spend training someone will be multiplied many times over.
 
“I’m afraid I’ll be left out of the loop.”
It can be hard to give up areas of responsibility…especially the ones you excel at.  You have to move from being a specialist to a generalist.  But as you use your expertise to guide those you are training, you will find the 30,000 ft. view is adequate.
 
“They won’t do it the right way.”
Learn to communicate the level of quality you expect but don’t try to control how the task is done.  There is probably more than one way to do the task…and theirs may even be more efficient and effective. 
 
“They can’t do it as well as I can.”
Even if they can’t…sometimes 85% is good enough.  The extra 15% that you won’t give up may not be as critical as you think it is.
 
“It’s my baby.  I don’t want to give it up.”
You have to be willing to give up responsibilities that other people can do so you can focus on what only you can do.  You have to give up to go up.  Your “baby” is hindering you from getting to the next level in your leadership. 
 
 
Delegation is key to accomplishing your goals, but there are some things that you shouldn’t delegate away.  
  1. Vision As the children’s ministry leader, it’s your job to cast vision.  Others can help the vision walk, but you’ve got to articulate it.
  2. Philosophy of Ministry What are the principles that will guide your ministry?  It’s your job to spell them out clearly so the team will know the base for decision making.
  3. Passion Your team will never be more passionate than you.  You have to lead the charge forward.  You must be the thermostat not the thermometer.
  4. Enlisting Volunteers You should always be bringing people onto the children’s ministry team.  You can’t do this alone, but you must lead by example.
  5. Appreciation Write thank-you notes.  Personally walk through the ministry and thank people for serving.  People need to hear it from you.