by Loretta
(Bath, PA (NE Council Director for Yokefellowship Prison Ministries and also the Yokefellowship Facilitator at Northampton County Prison))
I used to have my own catering and bakery business. In order to keep the work moving I had to be sure everyone had their job and was doing it. The employees were delegated work according to their abilities. It is most productive when our workers or helpers are matched to their jobs.
In the ministry I have found that these principles work in much the same way. We are always looking for volunteers to go into the prisons and do Bible studies, Life-skill trainings, etc. I will work with them until I see they are confident enough to go in on their own. I make sure that #1 The person prays to see if God is truly leading them in that direction. #2. Pray for God to send the right person. #3. It is very important to use those who have the qualities/gifts needed for that specific task. #4. I use my people as much as I can. I am not afraid to "stretch" them and I encourage them to do so. Sometimes I approach a person several times with my need. I always tell them to "Pray on it!"
One cannot allow their pride to stop them from asking others to help. I like to give people space to use their ideas and gifts. There is a HUGE resevoir of ideas and energy just waiting to be tapped out there. God wants to bless them as well as us. We receive an extra blessing when we reach out and help someone else develop themselves--plus, they gain confidence and self-satisfaction as they do God's work. Delegating is not about us at all, but about helping others grow while being more efficient and at the same time gaining opportunities to share wisdom, etc. with them.