Manage An Organization vs Lead A Movement

SCRIPTURE: ACTS 6:1-5
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’ This proposal pleased the whole group.”

OBSERVATION:
I see a lesson in leadership here and this lesson makes all the difference between building a movement and building an organization. We see some leaders here who have gotten too deep into the daily grind of church work. They are doing everything when they could be delegating. It is one thing for a leader to roll up his sleeves and get dirty in the trenches with the troops for a season, but the troops need a leader not another helping hand. When leaders forget to leave the foxhole there is no one out in front setting the pace of the pack - no one above the surface to see beyond where we are. No one with a vantage that can see what others cannot and confidently MOVE us into our future.

The church was not meant to be an organization, but a movement. To me, the difference is that organizations or stagnant while movements are mobile. Organizations are rigid while movements are fluid. An organization is to be managed and maintained in order to best produce a product that sells and finances the organization. The church was not built on a product but on principles and a faith that feeds the community it is in. It requires management and organization but is driven by a commission and commandment from God.

The lesson here is that if you want to maintain an organization then organize and manage tasks. If you want to create a movement then create a community of people to do the work together - a work force centered in and focused on the Great Commandment and Great Commission of God. Delegate the tasks of the ministry so you can continue to cast the vision, teach the principles, and share the faith of the movement you are creating.

APPLICATION:
I have to stop and evaluate my ministry “plate” at times. There are things that any body can do and things that only my strengths, position, calling, and anointing can do. Not that only I am capable, but only I am responsible for. If I am doing what others can do and ignoring what only I can do the church is no longer a moving - therefore, not a movement. While it may be going well and the tasks are getting done, it is simple an organization. So my evaluation is simply to take inventory of my time and tasks and weigh them against the following questions;

Is this something that needs to be done at this time? Why or why not?
Is this something that I need to do? If not who can I give it too?
Is there something that I should be doing but am not? If so, how do I approach it?

PRAYER:
Father, thank you for calling me to something so great. It is not an organization but a new life. It’s a revolution. A movement. It is organic. Help me to be strategic and purposeful with my time. Help me to do what you’ve called me to do and release the gifts and call of others. In Jesus name, AMEN!