How -vs- Who

One of the things I constantly struggle with is trying to make it all work. There are many days when I feel like I'm spread too thin because I'm being asked questions that really aren't "mine" to answer or I'm working on problems that really aren't "mine."

A good example of this is our worship. I've lead worship, run sound and set up video stuff for a number of years, but I'm certainly not the "go-to guy" for any of it. Yet I have my opinions and, not to be cocky, my opinions actually matter since I'm the lead pastor. Still, when we have differences of opinion about volume, mix, song choice, video solutions etc., somebody needs to take care of "solving" those "problems" and it shouldn't have to be me. So why do I have such a hard time letting others solve it?

I've come to the conclusion that it's because I care. Unfortunately though, I've decided that I don't care enough. Now, it's not that I don't care enough about the sound, lights, video, etc, it's that I don't care enough about the people that are serving there. You see, rather than trying to make all the decisions and fix all the little issues, I should be looking for opportunities to help others learn. I should be giving them clearer expectation, more regular (and honest) feedback, and helping them grow as leaders.

Does everything from sound and video, to signs and hospitality to greeters and follow up matter? Of course. But the people responsible for it matter more. After all, I'm in the people business because people matter to God.

The take-a-way? Stop focusing so much time and energy on HOW things are done and start investing in the WHO.