I remember hearing Darlene Zschech say that we as leaders should always be putting ourselves out of a job. In recent months, I’ve discovered what leaning on my team of growing leaders has done for my vision, because as we grow I believe we must allow ourselves to step back to see and dream. In order to do that we will need to pass on responsibilities, and I believe the most effective strategy for that is giving our growing leaders the chance to walk on water, just as Jesus did for Peter. That will be life changing for our leaders. If it weren’t for the pastors in my life who allowed me to trip as I ran with the vision, I for sure wouldn’t be where I am.
We see this example in John 21, where Jesus restores Peter and reminds him of his purpose.
15 “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ 16 He said to him a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ He said to him, ‘Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.’ He said to him, ‘Tend my sheep.’ 17 He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.'” John 21:15-17
In my time with Christ, I have discovered a heart so big, so good and so beautifully wonder-filled that I can truly say “Yes Lord, you know that I love You”. Yet I would say that loving Christ alone without discipling others is an unfinished story. What qualified Peter to look after His sheep was Peter’s revelation of Jesus and his undeniable love for Him. That’s you, that’s me and that’s our team. Jesus has given us such a brilliant example in shepherding our flock. Love God, love people. Disciple them; sow into them and experience the love of God through seeing someone’s life change forever.
Here’s what that did for me:
It allowed me to get my head out of the detailed weeds and into the vast, less-detailed sky. Where God stretched my eyes further than ever before. I saw land, and vast fields of His goodness stretching as far as my eyes could see. Then He shot me forward, as if I were riding the wind, and the land beneath me began to move at a rapid pace, putting miles behind me. Though the details were fewer than the thick of the weeds, the purpose felt great and above all, I felt called and loved.
I pray it helps you too as we step into bright days ahead!
C3 Los Angeles, Worship Pastor