Dolly Mink: Dolly Mink serves as the women’s ministry coordinator for the SBCV. She is passionate about leading women to a deeper relationship with the Lord through writing, speaking, and teaching. Dolly loves to encourage women in their walk with Christ and their service to Him. Dolly and her husband, J.W., are members of River Oak Church in Chesapeake, where she teaches Bible study.
This blog is part of a series of leadership blogs. In this series, Dolly Mink plans to share some of the lessons she have learned over the course of her life as a leader. Her hope is that you can learn from what she shares and that you can be the leader God has called you to be.
Lynne was a leader in her church’s women’s ministry, she sang in the choir, and she helped out regularly by serving dinner on Wednesdays. One night, as she slowly walked into the conference room for her women’s ministry team meeting, she let out a long sigh and reluctantly said, “Let’s go ahead and get this over with.”
After opening in prayer, Lynne began listing the monthly activities, reading them like a to-do list. When a member of the team offered to lead a new Bible study, Lynne told her she always led the studies herself. Another member volunteered to do the shopping and decorating for the next event. Again, Lynne resisted, saying she needed to do it. The team members were frustrated because they didn’t feel like they were contributing at all; Lynne insisted upon doing everything herself.
Obviously, this is somewhat of an exaggeration; however, there are times when, as leaders, we are guilty of our own burnout. Whether we are allowing pride to keep us from recognizing others’ skills and talents, or insecurity that another woman may just do the task better, the enemy is at work in your ministry and the results can be devastating.
We should always look to Jesus as our example of a healthy, selfless leader. Of course, Jesus could have accomplished the miracles and the teaching totally on His own, but He chose to use regular men to be examples to us. How did Jesus show us ways to lead?
Jesus prayed fervent prayers. (Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12)
Jesus didn’t just pray right before something happened, He prayed regularly. Jesus even retreated from the disciples to spend time with the Father. Jesus’s fervent, heartfelt prayers were heard by the Father and His work was seen and valued. Don’t you know yours will be, too?
Jesus taught by example. (Matthew 8:23-26; Luke 22:27)
Jesus never asked the disciples to do anything He wouldn’t do. He performed miracles in their presence. He got in the boat. He walked with them. He served them. He loved them.
Jesus delegated. (Matthew 10)
Jesus gave the disciples the authority to heal and to perform miracles, and then He sent them out to do those good works. Think about it: what if He had only ever been the one to do the healing? To do all the teaching? Would we have ever heard the gospel?
As leaders, we have to be ready for the Lord to call us to the next assignment. That means we have to teach the next generation to lead and to serve. We also have to be willing to allow them to make mistakes, under controlled supervision.
Sister, this year don’t be afraid to allow the women on your team to grow, to serve, and to shine for Jesus. By doing this, you are not only fulfilling Titus 2 by pouring into them, but you are bringing more glory to the one Who deserves it.
This year, commit to lead your ministry by delegating assignments and growing leaders.
