Being the Leader They Need

for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, 

Ephesians 4:12 (NASB) 

A truth we must all come to grips with is, "One size does not fit all."  I have learned this over the years.  I am a rather stout individual, and I hate when I find a shirt I like that says "One size fits all" because it never does.  So what does my clothing issue have to do with leadership?  Well it doesn't but it does give us a great leadership illustration.  If you are going to equip your church for ministry don't expect that you can equip or lead everyone the same way.

In equipping you will need to wear at least four different hats to help the church in doing the work of service.

1. Sometimes you will need to be an Instructor.  An instructor is more like a parent.  This is needed when the saints are unwilling and unable to do what needs to be done.  A Parent or instructor will have to show them the need, motivate and instruct them how to do what needs to be done.  This sometimes will include hand holding and personal correction.  But don't throw them away.  Take the time to instruct and pour some of yourself into them, just as you would your own child.
2. Sometimes we need to be a Coach.  A coach is needed when people are willing but unable to do the work.  They need someone who can show them the how.  They will not need you to show them why things should be done.  They will not need a lot of motivation.  But they will need you to teach them how to do the ministry.
3. Sometimes we need to be a cheerleader.  A cheerleader is someone who will support the person in the ministry they are doing.  Cheer leading is part of a mentoring process.  This individual is able to do the ministry but lacks the confidence to step out and do it.  Your role in this scenario is to encourage, mentor, cheer them on.  Help them to know that God has gifted, prepared and equipped them to accomplish His task for them.
4. Sometimes we need to be the Delegator.  This is when the people are willing and able to do the work.  For many of us, this is the most challenging aspect of leading.  Why?  Honest moment here:  because we are not in charge.  It is hard for us to hand off a ministry to someone else.  However, delegation can be the most rewarding and beneficial type of leadership to the Church.  Pastor, you don't have to have your hands in everything.  If they are ready.  Let them Go!

We must be careful as leaders.  We need to make sure that we are using the right kind of leadership with the right people at the right time.  This will require a gut check on our part.  It will also require a prayerful evaluation of the people we are leading.