Today’s question is: I feel stuck between leaving key ministry leadership positions unfilled and lowering my standards for leadership. Any suggestions?
Our inclination is to just "fill" positions rather than praying for God to move people into positions. When we do that, we may be taking the position ourselves because no one else will do it, or we "encourage" (i.e. beg) someone to take the responsibility. I wonder how often we get ahead of God and while He is getting someone ready for that ministry, we have already filled it!
Wouldn’t it be better to wait on Him, wait on the position or ministry activity, and watch God fill it with the one He has called to that place? Give God time to work and wait on His timing before filling positions out of desperate need.
Another thing to keep in mind is that there must be various options of leadership responsibilities. Some ongoing positions, others just long enough to accomplish a particular project, or a 4-6 week leadership responsibility. Offer co-leadership positions or apprentice ones. In that way, you make it feasible for some women who cannot step into an ongoing, "lifetime" responsibility!
What other ideas do you have for finding God’s woman for the positions you feel should be filled?