Give Your Disciples Significant Responsibilities

    Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “Multiply,” the podcast that

provides a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

Delegation of ministry responsibility is a big part of church leadership. And

delegation of ministry responsibility is also a big part of making disciples. So,

please take a moment right now to answer these two simple questions,

 When I am working with my disciples, do I often give them

responsibilities that are too big for them to handle? Or,

 When I am working with my disciples, do I often give them

responsibilities that are very simple and easy for them to handle?

If you want to pause this recording while you think about those two questions,

feel free to do so.

These two questions are really important. If we give our disciples

responsibilities that are too big for them to handle, they will get frustrated. If

they don’t know what to do or how to do it, things won’t turn out well. Even if

they know what to do and how to do it but just do not have the time necessary

to do what you have asked them to do, big problems can arise.

On the other hand, sometimes your disciples are ready to take on big tasks and

carry out great responsibilities. But if you fail to recognize their ability and

their availability, bad things will happen. They will get frustrated; they may

begin to doubt their own abilities. They may even leave you and look for places

where their skills and gifts will be better put to work in God’s Kingdom.

So, what guidelines should we follow when it comes to delegating responsibility

to our disciples. Here are five guidelines that help me.

1. Cast a big vision.

2. Pay attention to your disciples’ abilities, gifts, and skills.

3. Give your disciples responsibilities that stretch them slightly.

4. Constantly affirm what they do well.

5. Patiently help your disciples learn from their mistakes so they will be

stronger next time.

The VCP vision of a church in every African village by 2050 is big. So is the

Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Share these visions often

and well. Then, remembering your disciples’ gifts and abilities, give them

significant responsibilities that stretch them, cause them to pray, and make

them find creative solutions. Always affirm what goes well. Gently correct and

instruct for greater effectiveness next time.

My brother, my sister, follow Jesus’ example. Give your disciples significant

responsibility. If you do so, you will be blessed, they will be blessed, and

God’s grace will be released in amazing ways!

This had been Multiply, and I’m Dean Davis asking, “Who will you share this

encouraging word with today?

#EncouragementForVillageChurchPlanters #Delegate