Doing the Right Things

I'm often asked, "So what do you do at Eikon?" My response usually is, "Just about everything." That's obviously said tongue and cheek, but it really is all about filling in the gaps, doing whatever you can in the beginning to make it work.

As Eikon continues to grow, those governing laws of church-planting are slowly wearing thin. In Acts, as the Twelve are defining and growing the body of Christ, there was this subtle moment and decision that had to be made that had a significant impact. As the church grew, it became impossible for the apostles to keep all the plates spinning. This created tension and the need for broader leadership.

So the Twelve gathered everyone together and said this, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose even men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

The Apostles essentially came to terms early on with the notion that they had to do what ONLY THEY could do. They were the only men on the planet who were equipped to recommunicate the teachings of Christ. It was time to delegate both responsibility and authority so they could continue doing the two things they were best equipped to do: teach and pray.

They weren't skirting their responsibility. They were choosing in such a way as to ensure that the job would be done better than before.

As a result of this seemingly insignificant decision, 3 things happpened:
-the word of God spread
-the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly
-key influencers in the city were converted

As leaders, gifted by God to do a few things well, it is not right for us to attempt to do everything. I know that's a DUH! statement, but a simple and overlooked truth.

John Maxwell said, "You are most valuable where you add the most value." It is vital to the health and success that we as leaders discover the task, that narrow arena of responsibility where we add the most value.

I've been continually thinking about how I prioritize; what areas of my life need to be delegated for the benefit of the body and myself. It's easy to try and do everything. It's difficult to narrow the focus.

This is the season for even more central focus.