How do I break the 80/20 ministry rule?

We all know the 80/20 ministry rule. An oft asked question that seeks to break this rule is often: “How can I get more people to do more of the ministry instead of leaving it all up to few to carry the load?”

The Consumer Driven… Church?

Asking how we can get more people to carry the load won’t solve the 80/20 rule. Instead, it actually perpetuates the issue. The perspective is consumer driven. It’s common nowadays to hear complaints of a consumer driven church but this question points to consumer driven leadership. Using people to get the job done results in volunteer burnout and turnover. Or worse.  Rather than looking for people to do the work, what about asking, “Who does God want me to develop?” Now this question puts you in the role of an equipper, an investor, a Barnabas. 

Rather than looking for people to do the work, what about asking, 'Who does God want me to develop?' Click To Tweet

Invest to Break the 80/20 Rule

God is at work within the people of your church. It’s up to you to have eyes to see and partner with the Holy Spirit to develop them in their gifting. Yes, it’s a longer road. Developing people may seem like a side track, like you are not honoring or moving forward on your vision. It may even feel a little out of control. But think about it—filter it through all that you know about God. Developing the people God has placed in your congregation according to the gifting God has placed in them will undoubtedly support and even catalyze your God-given vision. Only when you invest in a higher percentage of people will the 80/20 rule be broken.

Developing the people God has placed in your congregation according to the gifting God has placed in them will undoubtedly support and even catalyze your God-given vision. Click To Tweet

Investment 101

Only when you invest in a higher percentage of people will the 80/20 rule be broken. Click To Tweet

At all times in ministry, it’s important to be keeping an eye out for potential leaders. If you are paying attention, God will point out people he wants you to invest in. Be on the lookout for people in whom you sense God may be at work. From there, you can invite them into a more intentional process of discovery.  This process can look many different ways. It may include discernment of spiritual gifts, reflection on passions and calling, and trying out different ministry areas and different types of service.

Relationships like this are ones that every young potential leader needs. This is the Paul/Timothy relationship. It’s the Barnabas/Paul relationship. It’s the Eli/Samuel relationship. We all need someone to guide us, sponsor us, champion us, and encourage us to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit for our own unique calling. None of these new leaders were exactly like their mentors; each had a unique contribution to the Kingdom of God. Your role as a coach is to come alongside young leaders, help them develop their skills, and guide them toward what God has for them.

What are the qualities of good leadership development? An intentional process. A personal relationship. An environment to try out new skills. A spirit of empowerment rather than control. An emphasis on discerning the voice of God. Remember, you are not trying to make them into the leader you are. You are trying to make them into the leader God would have them be. That might look considerably different from your own style and emphasis.

Your role as a coach is to come alongside young leaders, help them develop their skills, and guide them toward what God has for them. Click To Tweet

Coaching Questions to Help Develop Leaders

Asking good questions—and encouraging reflection on their answers—is especially important here when you’re developing people as leaders. These are good questions to start with.

• How has God been speaking to you? What has God put on your heart?
• What is your calling? Your passion and purpose? Your gifts?
• How is the Holy Spirit prompting you? What are you sensing God wants you to do?
• In what ways can you respond?
• How willing are you to move forward in obedience, even when the way is unclear?
• What might be a good next step?
• How could I be helpful to you?

Resources

Becoming Barnabas-  How can you disciple, develop, and support those around you? How can that relational investment lead to a powerful impact on the church and on the surrounding community? This book focuses on practical “how” questions like these. If you want to see ministry coaches activated in your community, Becoming Barnabas is the place to start. Available in paperback and Kindle and in English and Spanish.

Coaching 101- will help you discover the power of coaching in your life both as a coach and as someone being coached. This book offers you the basics of how to invest in the lives of others through coaching.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash