Delegation

Youth ministry consists of ceaseless acts of delegation and helping others, and summer camps are a prime example. Earlier this month, I took our teen group to our annual summer camp in Tennessee. Transporting about 30 people across multiple vans and vehicles is never without stress, and there are always surprises along the way. But, one thing is set in stone every year before we leave the church parking lot—we will eat lunch at Fazoli’s in Georgia. My hometown has faced several delays brining Fazoli’s back, and everyone at church knows how happy I’ll be when breadstick buddies can unite once again.

So, as a group of us enjoyed fast-food-priced lasagna, fettuccine, and breadsticks, one of the adults asked how I felt. I’m sure they expected me to wax poetic about the nostalgia of Anderson’s Fazoli’s from years ago. However, my response was a little more somber. “This Fazoli’s in Fort Oglethorpe is bittersweet; I yelled at my wife in here one time.”

During the COVID years and trying to juggle ministry with everyone’s fears and expectations, I succumbed to the same stresses as everyone else. Month after month had been one opinion after another of how so-and-so should have done such-and-such. Regrettably, I was also not the best example of Christianity in some of those conversations. So, it is also no surprise that the ministry can bring out what’s below the surface—sometimes for others to see. I was trying to help the restaurant workers by taking food to everyone (if you ever want to feel frustrated, try asking teenagers what they ordered 30 seconds after they have ordered it and see if they remember). I was hot, hungry, and trying to look humble by scrambling around the restaurant serving everyone else. In the midst of all that, my wife asked a simple question (that I don’t remember), and I responded with sharpness and unkindness. Why? All because I thought I had to do everything myself, and when I tried to be there for everyone else, I couldn’t be there for the one closest to me.

Thankfully, this year was much better. Specifically, at our lunch stop heading to camp, one particular youth worker’s actions was prophetic of the leadership training I received later in the week. Back to my old ways, I was trying to help everyone by serving others before I ate my food. One of our leaders said simply and quietly, “Sit down and eat; we’ll take care of this.” It seemed like such a simple action, but what if someone else had told me that a few years ago? Would I have raised my voice at my wife if we were at a table together eating instead of her trying to get me to slow down so she could ask a question?

So, the leadership shown at the restaurant was indeed prophetic of the lesson the pastors were taught in our breakout. When it comes to building a group of people, there are several things that must happen: recruiting, selection, training, conflict resolution, etc. One of the most basic but often misunderstood is the science and art of delegation. Our camp director shared this passage with us:

When 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 while everyone stands around you from morning till evening… 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… select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders… Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.”

Exodus 18:14–22, NLT

Sometimes God’s word shows people where they need to change. But isn’t it wonderful when the Lord sometimes plans for a biblical lesson to simply remind us of the people and blessings he has already put in our lives? I may not be a Moses, but this year I did have an Aaron to lend a helping hand. So Christian leaders, look around you this week, and try to find some small matter that you can lend a hand in among your workers. In doing so, you might save someone from years of regret that a freshly baked Fazoli’s breadstick can taste so bittersweet.

Father, in our pride we think that we must do it all. And in our humanity you remind us that were are not as strong physically, emotionally, and spiritually as we need to be. Thankfully, you put people into our lives that help carry the burdens of the ministry that seem small until they all begin to add up. May you open your hand of blessing on those who have lended a hand of blessing to us. In Jesus name, Amen.