Who’s in charge may sound like a simple questions, but often those with responsibilities aren’t actually taking charge. They may be unclear of the specifics or how their role fits with the others on the team.
Disorder not only drives me nuts, but it can result in chaos and too often details fall through the cracks. My workspace needs at least some semblance of order; my computer files need to make sense; and my daily life requires a plan if I ever get anything done. (No, this photo isn’t of my desk.)
Such order becomes even more necessary when a number of people are working together toward the same goals. Boundaries and responsibilities must be clear or the group risks forgetting important tasks or stepping all over one another trying to do the same work. There must be a plan in place to be sure every job is covered and completed.
Whether you are part of ministry in a small church, a large church, or a para-church, you must think through how to accomplish your purposes. Once your team has discovered God’s vision for your ministry, it is vital that someone organize the tasks to determine what must be done, who will do it, and to whom she is responsible.
Can’t we just let the organization be organic? No, because it never works as it should. Although you need a plan, it doesn’t have to be complex or overdone. It can be simple. What’s essential to achieve your vision? What must be done and how can it be accomplished simply? What basics are necessary? Stick with those, but organize the responsibilities.
I’ve found job descriptions to be so very helpful. They get everyone on the same page by educating each team member about not only her own part of the task, but also the responsibilities of the others on the team. She is able to see how her work intersects with the rest of the group, freeing her to take charge of her part and enabling her to recognize how vital her work is to the overall vision.
Who’s in charge of what? Think through the various aspects of the work and how to divide it. Then, write out job descriptions for each role. If you have never written a job description, you may find the examples in my article on bible.org helpful.
No matter how large or small your ministry, consider making it clear who’s in charge of what. You will save yourself from overlooking vital tasks and possible inter-team problems that arise without clarity about who does what.
We at BOW are always ready to help.
