When Moses Learned to Delegate — and Why You Should Too
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by ministry responsibilities, you’re in good company. Even Moses—yes, that Moses—hit his breaking point trying to do it all. In Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro watched him spend an entire day listening to the people’s problems, one by one. At the end of the day, Jethro essentially said, “This isn’t good. You’ll wear yourself out!” (Exodus 18:17–18).
It wasn’t that Moses was doing bad work—he was doing important work. The problem was that he was doing work others could do. Jethro offered wise counsel that still speaks to every leader today: “Select capable men… and appoint them as officials” (Exodus 18:21). In other words, delegate.
Step 1: Know What You’re Doing
Before you can delegate, you have to know what you’re actually doing. Many leaders feel overwhelmed but couldn’t clearly list all their regular responsibilities if asked. Start by writing them down. Every meeting, every prep task, every errand, every “quick favor” that somehow lands on your desk—get it all on paper. Seeing it laid out in black and white can be both humbling and freeing.
You can’t decide what to give away until you know what you’re holding onto.
Step 2: Ask, “What Can Only I Do?”
There are some things in ministry that only you can do. Moses still had to go before God on behalf of the people. Likewise, there are certain tasks in your role that God has uniquely entrusted to you—casting vision, developing leaders, preaching, shepherding your team. These are the non-negotiables. If you spend all your energy doing things others could do, you’ll have little left for the things only you should do.
Step 3: Ask, “What Can Others Do?”
Here’s where the fun (and sometimes the challenge) begins. Look through your list and ask, “Who could do this if I let them?” You might be surprised how many capable people are just waiting for an opportunity. Delegating isn’t dumping—it’s developing. When you hand off responsibilities, you aren’t losing control; you’re growing leaders.
Even if they don’t do it exactly like you would, that’s okay. Ministry isn’t meant to be cloned—it’s meant to be multiplied.
Step 4: Ask, “What Should Others Do?”
There’s a difference between what others can do and what they should do. Jethro didn’t tell Moses to pick random helpers. He told him to choose “capable, trustworthy people.” Delegation requires discernment. Match people’s gifts to the right roles. Give them the “why” behind the task, not just the “what.” Empower them to own it, not just execute it.
Step 5: Let Go of Perfection
Let’s be honest—sometimes the biggest barrier to delegation is pride. We think no one can do it as well, as fast, or as creatively as we can. But here’s a little math to chew on: if someone can do a task 80% as well as you can, but it frees up 100% of your time, that’s a win. Even if they take longer or need some coaching, the time you save by not doing it yourself is time you can invest in higher priorities.
Their “good enough” still equals your instant time saved. And who knows? Given the chance, they might surprise you and do it even better.
Step 6: Ask, “What Am I Doing That No One’s Asking Me To Do?”
This one might sting a little. There are tasks we do out of habit, guilt, or just because “someone has to.” But has anyone actually asked you to do them? Are they truly necessary—or just noise? Sometimes we keep busy to feel important or to avoid harder leadership work, like training and trusting others. Jethro’s advice to Moses wasn’t just about delegation—it was about focus.
If it’s not in your calling, not in your gifting, and not in your job description, maybe it’s time to stop doing it.
The Freedom of Delegation
When Moses finally followed Jethro’s advice, the result wasn’t chaos—it was order. The people were still cared for, but Moses was freed to focus on what mattered most. The same will be true for you. Delegation isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of wisdom. It creates margin for creativity, rest, and spiritual renewal.
So, take a cue from Moses. Write out your tasks. Ask those hard questions. Let go of the myth that you’re the only one who can do it right. And start handing off what others can and should do. You might just discover that leadership gets lighter, ministry gets stronger, and your people get better.
And remember—delegation doesn’t just multiply tasks; it multiplies leaders.
For more help managing your time, tasks, and ministry priorities, jump over to KarlBastian.club
I’m doing a Master Class right now called Conquer the Calendar!
