RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR SUNDAY 10TH OF DECEMBER, 2023

[1]Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

[2]Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.

[3]Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

[4]but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

[5]And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

[6]whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

[7]Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. Stephen Accused of Blasphemy

[8]And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

INTRODUCTION: To delegate means to assign a job function or task to another with the expectation of getting the desired results. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, he delegated the evangelistic assignment to His disciples for broader ministerial results (Luke 10:1-2). The ability to delegate is an important virtue that must be found in every leader whose psyche is to raise new leaders and not to just maintain followers.

Some of the reasons for delegating are stated as follows:

(1) It is one of the means of raising quality and committed leaders (Luke 10:1, 17).

(2) It allows for an individual’s contribution towards the achievement of the goal of an organisation’s vision advancement (Acts 6:3).

(3) It helps the group leader achieve more. (2 Samuel 18:1-2).

(4) It upholds structures that are created to handle a specific task and check for efficiency (Exodus 36:1).

(5) It unveils the strength an organization bears (1 Chronicles 12:1-2).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should give additional reasons for delegating.

Delegating is a very vital tool in leadership-building as well as the organisation’s success. However, certain criteria must be considered before delegating a task. Some of these include:

(1) Humility: The leader should know he/she is not ‘all-sufficient’ (1 Peter 5:5). The follower must also appreciate the privilege of being considered for such a task (James 4:6).

(2) Authority: The leader should release necessary authority to the follower (Matthew 28:18-20).

(3) Willingness: The follower must be willing to take up the task (Isaiah 6:8).

(4) Availability: The follower has to be available to run such a task (2 Samuel 23:15-17).

(5) Qualification: Skilfulness and exposure of the follower matters (Exodus 31:2-7).

(6) Reputation: The follower must have a good testimony among others (Acts 6:1-6).

CONCLUSION: Delegating strategically helps in achieving great success. No one can do everything alone. Leaders should, however, avoid under-delegating and over-delegating.

QUESTIONS:

* Mention three reasons why leaders should delegate.

* What are the criteria for delegating responsibilities?

ASSIGNMENT: Give five (5) examples of tasks that Church leaders can delegate (2×5=10 marks).