As a pastor, I find this chapter offers impartation for daily life and complements Proverbs 24:3 (NKJV): “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.”
The Jethro Principle presents the important idea that, for leadership to be effective and sustainable, one man cannot do all the work. Moses was fulfilling God’s work, but he needed his father-in-law’s advice to understand God’s plan.
When Jethro noticed how Moses conducted the daily operations among the people, he realized Moses was running a one-man show. Moses quickly fell into the pitfall this created as he attempted to solve every problem. Jethro wisely noted the inevitability of burnout for both Moses and the people when he advised, “Both you and these people who are with you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself” (Exodus 18:18, NKJV).
Working alone places great weight on the leader, regardless of that leader’s skills and insights. In his book Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership, Aubrey Malphurs asserts, “A Christian leader is a servant with the credibility and capabilities to influence people in a particular context to pursue their God-given direction.” This leadership development series presents the idea that leadership is about mobilizing others, not doing everything alone. One person attempting to do everything alone can cause problems:
- Burnout and fatigue of the leader. This may lead to less-than-sound advice.
- Lack of time to address many complex issues. This may cause people to spend much time seeking help, only to tire from the waiting while never receiving it.
What must a leader do to avoid burning out? Jethro reminded Moses that a pastor’s primary task is preaching and teaching. “And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do” (Exodus 18:20, NKJV).
Through preaching God’s principles, Moses offered spiritual direction to other leaders participating in administrative work. He also encouraged the general assembly. Through his teaching, the leaders and assembly understood God’s expectations and learned to apply those to their lives. Rather than micromanaging every decision, Moses gave insights that the people could acknowledge and use as a pattern for life.
Preaching and teaching require prayer, study, and sensitivity to God’s voice. An extensive amount of time should be devoted to these spiritual disciplines. For leaders to do these spiritual disciplines with excellence, they must assign others to handle administrative actions. To avoid distraction, they must select qualified people. Jethro insisted that Moses select men who were capable and able to complete the assigned tasks.
“Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Then it will be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. So it will be easier for you, for they shall bear the burden with you.” (Exodus 18:21–22, NKJV)
When an individual is selected for a leadership role but unable to fulfill the role’s tasks, those tasks will inevitably fall back on the main leader (pastor). This will impede the pastor from accomplishing the primary tasks of preaching and teaching. Spiritual qualities should be apparent in any individual selected for leadership roles, and that person should possess the necessary skills to be successful in the role.
This principle teaches delegation, which can be a difficult process because it requires trust between the main leader and those in administrative leadership roles. Just as Jethro advised Moses, so also it is advisable that a pastor select individuals portraying godly character traits and then trust them to “judge” people in all circumstances.
Trusting another individual to help with leadership roles means a pastor must be confident in that person. It is extremely important to establish and communicate clear expectations. This ensures that nothing is missed or overlooked. Too often pastors become frustrated with their leadership team because they failed to articulate expectations clearly. This includes delegating assignments and following up to make sure they are completed. It creates increased confidence between the pastor and leader when the individual gives a report on activities, issues, and solutions. When these expectations are in place and communicated, both pastor and leader find an enjoyable atmosphere where frustration is eliminated.
Jethro assured Moses that these principles would work. “If you will do this thing, and God so commands you, then thou will be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace” (Exodus 18:23, NKJV).
The Jethro Principle creates two results:
- The leader’s workload is lightened. Pastors must fight the urge to do everything alone, especially when they feel things should be done the way they like. Although the pastor may feel better handling everything, doing so can hinder his productivity and create burnout. Every leader enjoys a lighter load when this principle is employed.
- The people are satisfied. A qualified team gets more items accomplished in less time while offering greater insight and focus to the people. The people then feel their voice is heard without being rushed or pushed aside by other issues. They also feel the care and concern from the team.
The Jethro Principle is a powerful way to impact people. By creating a team of qualified leaders, the pastor finds more opportunities to minister and enjoy the work God has given him. Strengthen your leadership foundation through biblically grounded, Apostolic-focused resources. Visit the Leadership Books collection at Pentecostal Publishing House to equip yourself and your leadership team for effective ministry today.