Six Steps in the Process of Effective Delegation:
1. Segmentation of the Work: Jesus—the Great Delegator—ascended up on high, divided His ministry into five areas and delegated them to five different groups of people to continue on the work that He started:
"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:9-11 NKJ).
Moses segmented his work and delegated it to his elders (Exodus 18:13-25). The Apostles segmented and delegated portions of their work to disciples who became new servant leaders (Acts 6:1-5).
2. Choosing the Right People: Jesus prayed all night before He chose His 12 disciples. Moses was told to choose “able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness” (Exodus 18:21). The Apostles told the brethren to, “seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,” that they could delegate work to (Acts 6:1-3).
3. Transferring the Work: It is absolutely necessary that Christian Leaders be willing to transfer work to other members of the body of Christ. However, in the process they must be careful to assign each person to a suitable job! People will be the happiest and most productive if they’re doing what God designed them to do.
A leader can improve his subordinates’ morale by involving them in the decision making process. Such an action will both prepare and motivate his personnel to do their jobs more effectively. It is extremely important that a leader ensures that each person receiving a task is fully aware of what is expected of him before the job begins.
4. Transferring Authority: Once the delegate has understood and received his assignment, it is necessary that the leader encourage independence. The person should be able to work independently, without continually seeking the leader’s permission to act.
The key is in knowing how much authority to release. If too much authority is granted, it may be abused. If too little is given, the delegate cannot get the job done! Once the leader has released authority, he cannot insist that everything be done his way. A wise leader gives the individual room to function as he is most comfortable.
5. Acceptance of Responsibility: When a person receives the authority to carry out an assignment, he must also accept the responsibility that comes with it. This is delegated responsibility, and he must understand that the leader will follow up on his performance.
6. Acceptance of Accountability: The process of delegation can be very rewarding both to the leader and his subordinate. But, it also has inherent dangers, because it involves working with people. A Christian leader must maintain supervisory control by establishing a follow-up and evaluation system. The absence of accountability often leads to slothfulness or an abuse of power.
The leader must remember however, not to become an unbearable task-master in the process. When a subordinate makes mistakes, they can not be overlooked. Rather, they should be used as part of the training process.
When the principle of delegation is practiced the key leader will not burn out, new leaders will be raised up, the work of the ministry will get done, and the people will have their needs met.
1. Delegation Aids Progress: Additional people in the right place will increase the productivity of your team. Dwight L. Moody once said, “I would rather put a thousand men to work, than do the work of a thousand men.” That’s so simple, isn’t it? The church is built up by that which every joint supplies (see Ephesians 4:16).
2. Delegation Builds Morale: Victory Churches International is not a one-man show. We all have a part to play. The vision of VCI is not my vision or someone else’s vision. Rather, it’s the corporate vision the Lord has given to the Victory Family. When people begin to understand that, they will have a sense of belonging and a healthy sense of pride!
3. Delegation Inspires Initiative: The desire to achieve something for God inspires initiative. When people begin to realize that they can try different things within the organization and be creative, it inspires them to get involved, do their part and do their best.
4. Delegation Builds Big People: We want to build big people by putting value into them. People won’t grow, if they don’t have some kind of a challenge that will draw out the gifts that are within them. Successful people will stretch to the challenge! The challenge should not be too big, but it should be big enough that it stirs the soul and causes people to reach beyond where they are right now.
If people are only doing what they’ve already mastered, then they’re not growing! We should always challenge people to do something that they have not yet conquered, and in attempting something new, they will experience growth.
One man working alone could never accomplish the global vision that God has given to the Victory Family. But, as we all put our gifts, passions and abilities into the mix for a commitment to gospel teamwork, we will reach the ends of the earth. And when we get there, we will build a Victory Church.
Yours for the Mobilizing of the Army of God
Dr George Hill
Founder/President
