Sunday, October 24, 2010

The S.E.R.V.I.C.E. Culture

by. Rev. James Wong
Last week I shared that the final “C” of leadership is culture and together we need to build a church culture that is biblical and progressive using the acronym S.E.R.V.I.C.E. For this week I would like to focus on ‘E’ which means, ‘Empower Others.’

E= Empower Others. What does it mean?

To empower is to give or delegate power or authority to another person. When Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, 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?" … “Why do you sit alone, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening? What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.” (Ex 18:14-19 NLT). Moses was burn-out. One person could not accomplish much and the result is also discouraging.

1. Moses empowered the people. Moses’ style of leadership was totally ineffective. Jethro, the father-in-law, encouraged Moses to empower more people to do the job. He said to Moses, “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. ... Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. ..." (Ex 18:21-23 NLT). Moses took the advice and by empowering others to leadership he was able to achieve so much more.

2. Jesus empowered his disciples. Jesus did not do it alone. In his physical state he could accomplish little. Therefore he empowered his disciples to do the work. “He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” (Matt 10:1 NIV). At another time he appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. (Luke 10:1-3 NIV). Jesus multiplied his leadership by giving away his authority to his disciples. He gave them authority and showed confidence in them. He allowed them to grow and flourish.

3. A culture that empowers others. “Now 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.” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT). The main task of pastors and teachers here is to equip others to serve God in the various ministries of the church. God wants every member to be involved in service. You empower others by delegating your responsibility and authority to others without the fear of losing control or credit. Give a word of appreciation, praise, encouragement, motivation and support to help someone rise up.

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