Exercise the ministry of delegation. Others will grow as you are able to let go. Even if you are a fabulous administrator and love it, find ways to involve other people.

The above is one of the tips from my eBook 111 Tips to Survive Music Ministry. Let me unpack it a bit…

Many in ministry find it easier to do than to ask others to help. You probably have high standards when it comes to worship, music, and the administrative details of your ministry. You want worship to be excellent if not perfect.

The double bind is you can feel overworked, even resentful, and still be insist you keep your hands on everything.

Here’s another perspective: consider that your purpose is not simply to produce quality music and worship, but also to help others grow. When growth is the goal, you may find it easier to let go. If growth, not perfection is the aim, you can make different choices.

A friend of mine used to talk about “the things you can do but shouldn’t.” Doing everything can inhibit the development of others, and sharing the load can enhance it.

Delegating can also help you grow. When you share the load, you have the opportunity to accept that it may not be done exactly your way.

Early in my marriage my attitude to my husband “helping” with housework was: “do it, and do it my way.” He made it clear that if he was going to share the work, I needed to let go. Maybe matching towels in the bathroom for guests didn’t matter as much as I thought. Sharing the responsibility for our joint household was more important.

Of course, you don’t delegate everything. Preachers don’t often delegate preaching. Choir directors still direct almost every Sunday. But worship planning and execution can be shared, to the benefit of everyone.

4 Things to Remember When Delegating

1. Delegation requires discernment How big a task do you delegate, and to whom?

2. Consider how much support each person needs Giving too much direction is as much of a problem as too little. It may not actually mean less work, at least at first, with those who need a lot of direction.

3. Stay in touch Don’t delegate and disappear. Even with someone who doesn’t need much support, attending to your relationship can contribute to how well they do.

4. Keep your sense of humor If challenges arise, remember, it’s only one Sunday out of 52 this year. Next week is another opportunity. Laugh, and think of dealing with the little glitches as spiritual growth for yourself.

How might you experiment with sharing the load?