This is part one of a two part series.

A leader who keeps all of their authority and responsibility to themselves is failing in their leadership role. [1]

Part of growing as a Godly and effective leader is learning to delegate.  

Our most recent Monthly Prayer devotional addressed delegating. During the month of November and December the Flourish articles will continue to build on our understanding of this important leadership skill.

Can you think of a time when you have had certain tasks poorly delegated to you? Or perhaps you have tried to delegate some of your responsibilities to someone else and have struggled to know how to do it well? Either way, learning to delegate effectively is one of the most difficult leadership skills to understand and master.  

Here are five questions which I hope will help you grow in this area of healthy leadership. (We will cover questions 1-3 in this article and questions 4 and 5 in the December article.)

Question #1: Is delegation Biblical? Where do we see delegation in the Bible?

The Bible is filled with examples of delegation. Here are a few:

God delegated

  • God made the animals but gave Adam the task of naming them (Genesis 2:18-20).
  • God made the creation but tasked man to fill it, rule over it, and subdue it (Genesis 1:28).
  • God designed the ark but gave Noah the job to actually build it (Genesis 6:13-22).

Moses delegated (See devotional)

  • Moses chose capable leaders to serve as officials over the people (Exodus 18:24-25).
  • Moses brought together the 70 elders to lead (Numbers 11:24-25).

Paul delegated 

  • Paul instructs Timothy to find faithful men whom he can develop as leaders through delegation (2 Timothy 2:2)

Jesus delegated

  • He had His disciples baptizing others (John 4:2).
  • He delegated the job of finding lunch to the disciples (Matthew 14:16).
  • He instructed the disciples to set up a place for the last supper (Matthew 26:18).

Delegation is a common principle in Scripture and absolutely aligns with God’s call to make disciples, develop leaders and invest in those around you.  In fact, the Great Commission itself in Matthew 25 is God calling believers, giving them authority and sending them in that power to change the world. 

Question #2: What is a good way to describe delegation?

Delegation isn’t passing off unwanted tasks or busywork, but rather delegation is best defined as entrusting someone with appropriate authority to complete a task. As a leader, when you delegate you still have ownership of the task. However, in your delegation you are entrusting the task to them to steward and take responsibility for it.   

Take for example the story of the early church in Acts 6:1-7.  The apostles were faced with a dilemma. The Greek-speaking Jews felt their widows were being neglected in daily food distribution. What we see is a beautiful picture of delegation by the apostles: 

Acts 6:1-7

  • They took leadership (v.2a)
  • They determined the priorities (v.2b)
  • They found a solution (v.3)
  • They carefully selected the 7 leaders (v.3b)
  • They gave them appropriate tasks (v.3b)
  • They gave them the authority to lead (v.3-4)
  • They supported them with proper care (v.6)

Question #3: When should I delegate?

Here are three components to consider.

1. We delegate when our responsibilities are greater than our capacities—our time, energy or abilities—will allow.  

Moses experienced this dilemma in Numbers 11:14. He was exhausted and burnt out.  Moses needed to learn delegation!

2. We delegate when we recognize that others can help us better accomplish the task we have been given. 

As leaders we must recognize that just because we have been called to a particular service, it doesn’t mean that we have all the right answers or skills. Sometimes we can learn a lot from others when we delegate.  

Take for example the Pharaoh of Egypt in Genesis 41:37-40. He placed Joseph in charge of the food storage and land in Egypt knowing Joseph was better equipped with godly discernment than himself. Thus, he delegated the authority to Joseph to lead (signified by giving him the signet ring).

3. When we see potential leaders. Delegating is a key way to develop leaders for future success. 

There is much to be said regarding the benefit and power of delegation in developing future leaders.  In the December Flourish article will build on this idea, talk about some tips for delegating well and end with some practical steps to help you get started. 

In the meantime, may God continue to give you confidence, wisdom and guidance as you grow as a delegator and leader.  

[1] https://yfcleadershipandpioneering.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/a-biblical-perspective-on-delegation.pdf
[2] https://campusministry.org/article/delegation-entrusting-to-faithful-men
https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/leadership-training/leading-a-team/the-art-of-delegation.html