Why is it important for leaders to delegate?

Exodus 18:14-23When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone? . . . You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. . . . But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you.”

Delegation is necessary for all who are involved: for the leaders, for those who serve with the leader, and for those who are served. Without delegation, the leader is over-burdened, the helpers are under-utilized, and the people are under-served. Delegation is not laziness, but wise stewardship of everyone’s resources and time.

Ephesians 4:11-13Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Delegation is an essential part of Christian leadership. God has designed the church to be a place where everyone is involved. In fact, equipping, delegation, and involvement are the means God uses to bring us all to maturity in Christ.