Tag Archives: leading with demonstration and power

The Ministry of Empowerment

          As Christian leaders, we should always seek to empower others to find and fulfill their God-given purpose. Providing opportunities for people to function in their giftings and helping them understand the graces that are evident in their lives will encourage and add strength to the individual. In turn, it strengthens the ministry and reinforces the idea that we are committed to the growth and success of those following us. The ministry of empowerment should be a part of every leadership culture.

Don’t confuse encouragement with empowerment

Encouragement stimulates confidence and hope by stirring people with a higher and more positive perspective. Empowerment helps a person function in their ministry gifts and graces in a safe environment while they get much-needed experience.

Hebrews 5:12-14 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. ¹³ For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. ¹⁴ But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

          In this passage, we see correction brought to immature Christians, not for being immature, but because they remained immature from not having used their gifts and graces, developing their judgment of right and wrong. They were not being pushed and empowered to grow spiritually because of the weakness of the leadership.

          The ministry of empowerment can be viewed as advanced discipleship. It is like a doctor’s residency that provides on-the-job training where newly graduated MD or DO physicians begin their specialized training to become a specific type of doctor. A doctor’s residency empowers them to thrive in their field of endeavor.

          Empowerment for leaders happens when the person has proven themselves faithful, and they take on responsibilities that make a greater draw on their gifts and graces. This allows people to be challenged in their faith, experience God in a greater capacity, and connect with Him on another level while learning new skills and being pushed to grow as a leader.

          The empowerment stage of discipleship allows a person to experience some fiery trials that come with full-time ministry and tends to expose any weaknesses or flaws in their character. Virtually everything that qualifies a person for leadership is tied to their character. Mistakes will likely be made, and correction will be required. This is a natural and needed stage of development for all leaders, and these things should be addressed clearly and openly.

This is where encouragement is vital in the empowering process. While bringing correction, help them understand this is normal and assure them you are committed to walking with them through the process. This prevents relationships from being strained, strengthening the individual and helping them quickly make any needed adjustments without condemnation.

The biggest asset to any leader is the people they are leading. Empowerment is a way to make deep investments in the lives of others that will bear lasting fruit in the individual and pay huge dividends to the ministry in the long run.

Question: What is the difference between encouragement and empowerment?

Question: How does empowering others help them?

Question: How does it help the ministry?

Question: What are some things you can do to empower those you lead?

Question: What happens when people are not empowered to use their gifts and graces?

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