Let's Go Build a Bridge

On a trip like this, there are so many moving parts that need to be properly executed for a successful end result. These include recruiting the right team, raising the money, acquiring materials, engineering plans, coordinating flights, facilitating transportation on the ground, assembling work teams on site, food, lodging, planning group discussions and devotionals, and capturing the memories and stories along the way. Like any massive undertaking, it requires delegation, and while delegation can be uncomfortable, nothing significant is ever accomplished alone.

When I first started leading these trips, I wanted to control it all. I wanted to make it just right. People are busy, and I didn't want to burden anyone with "extra" work. Heck, I was just glad they were going. That mindset sucked the joy out of it, left me completely exhausted, and the trips had a lot of loose ends I just couldn't tie up on my own. Today, someone different is responsible for each part, and the result is that we get more done in less time, and the experience for everyone is superior. This is a lesson I wish I learned sooner.

"Then I explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, 'The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!'" (Nehemiah 4:19-20)

When Nehemiah led the project to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, he demonstrated a mastery of delegation. Every family had a section they were responsible for, strategies were built to protect against the enemy, and leaders were assigned for all different responsibilities. The work was very spread out, and they had predetermined messaging to bring everyone together when they needed to. And they trusted that God would provide and protect along the way. This resulted in the wall being repaired in record time!

How is your team built? Can it accomplish big things that are out of your individual reach? Are your commitments limited to what you can control on your own, or are they so significant that you have no choice but to delegate? Are they part of the dreaming? Are you willing to let go? Do you trust them?

 In my life, the less of me the better. In God's kingdom, the more of Him the better.   

In my life, the less of me the better. In God's kingdom, the more of Him the better. In your team, the more you trust, the better they get, the more you can get done, and the care your customers feel becomes legendary. Your teammates want to have an impact. Let them.

We had one last-minute problem to solve recently relating to transporting some unexpected supplies for the project. A team member stepped up, said let me handle this, asked me to step aside, and boom, problem solved. That's teamwork. Let’s go build a bridge…across a river and between people.