A Note from Kelly King: I think many of us want to “fix” people. Fortunately, there is only One who can truly do the careful work of redemption and restoration. As leaders, we would be careful to remember God’s power to affect the change of the heart and submit to His leadership each day. Be encouraged today by guest writer Bobi Ann Allen.
Are you a problem-solver? A real get-things-done kinda gal?
Most type A leaders tend to be problem solvers. It’s your stellar problem-solving skills that earned you the influence and bestowed upon you the title. And let’s face it, ministry is messy. Almost every time you turn around there is a problem to be fixed or a mess to be cleaned up. And you’re the gal everyone is looking to make it happen.
Leadership is a weighty responsibility—one to be approached with great care. However, leaders can often confuse their influence with the power to actually fix people.
As church leaders, my husband and I have been faced with individuals who viewed us as “the answer” to the problems our church was facing.
I had one woman tell me my husband and I had to stay at our church at least long enough to “fix” it. We weren’t actually planning our exit, but it’s good to know what the parameters are!
Comments likes these can lull a leader into a false (and prideful) sense of control. Because of the voices I was hearing, I had to lean in closer to make sure I was listening to God’s voice.
God reminded me through His Word that I am not smart enough, entertaining enough, talented enough, or experienced enough to bring about real spiritual change (Ezekiel 37:4-10).
Acknowledging no real power to “fix” anyone can cause leadership paralysis and endless second guessing or it can move us into deeper dependence and faith.
My attention was turned to the beggar at the Beautiful Gate in Acts 3. Though the beggar was lame, he experienced God’s healing through Peter and John. Acts 3:9-10 says, “All the people saw him walking and praising God and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the Beautiful Gate…”
Leadership paralysis and second guessing comes when we’ve moved from a position of humble beggar in need of God’s intervention to an upright, self-sufficient posture.
“For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.” —Romans 12:3
People weren’t in awe of the beggar’s ability to fix their problems. They were impacted by how God stepped into his life.
As leaders, our job isn’t to have all the answers. Our job is to vulnerably prostrate ourselves before God as beggars desperate for Him to bring life and change into the hearts of those we lead.
Bobi Ann Allen is a pastor’s wife, mom, and ministry leader. She is the author of the Jesus, Our Joy Bible Study and the Home Family Devotional. Raised in a small east Texas town, Bobi Ann now calls central Texas home. A graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in Christian education, Bobi Ann has also served on church staff ministering to women. She finds her greatest passion in ministry to be opening the Word with women and allowing the Holy Spirit transform hearts—including her own. She spends her days folding underwear, unloading the dishwasher, and hunting for her people’s lost stuff. You can find more from Bobi Ann on her website, bobiann.com, and by following her on Instagram @bobiann.