The other day I was reading in the book of 1 Chronicles in the Bible, and came across this verse:
"Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it." 1 Chronicles 15:22
It made me think about how often in the Church we don't put people in a position to succeed because they serve where they aren't skilled. Here are some scenarios that come up:
- People don't know where they are skilled - In this case it's best to let them serve wherever they would like to at first, or even where you need them, but it's important to evaluate how that role fits them and try to help them learn what their gifts and abilities really are.
- People want to do something they aren't skilled at - This is one of the most difficult because it means having a hard conversation to let them know they should probably serve in a different capacity that utilizes their true gifts. Interestingly enough, like the verse in Chronicles, music is where we find this happen a lot.
- People don't realize how skilled they are - Some people are more skilled than they realize, especially when it comes to leadership. We have to recognize that and encourage them to reach their full potential by giving them opportunities.
The team, the mission, and the Church has to come before any individual and if everyone has that attitude, and we work hard to set people up to succeed, great things can happen.
