Bill Hybels wrote a book called Axiom. It is a collection of leadership values that he uses to help make decisions. From a leadership standpoint, I have found it to be invaluable. I say it is a must-read. He does a great job of distilling leadership principles into easy-to-remember phrases.
Don’t say someone’s “no” for them, is one that I need to remind myself of often.
There are a few different ways that I say people’s “no” for them and I’ll reflect on some of them over the next few posts.
the big ask
When I am looking for volunteers to help with an event, I tend to not ask, assuming they will say “no”. I’m saying “no” for them.
Whether it is because I don’t think an event is worth someone’s time or it’s too much work or it is something I personally wouldn’t volunteer for, I make choices for other people all the time.
We are getting ready for an event in a couple of weeks that I assume nobody would be interested in volunteering for…so I didn’t ask. After getting to a point of desperately needing people, I realized what I was doing.
On one hand, I was saying “no” for everyone by not asking. On the other hand, I was depriving them of an opportunity to use their gifts. Gifts that God has given them to serve the local church.
By not asking, I’m making assumptions about people and I’m not giving people to choose.
Is it because I don’t have a vision for how God wants to use people for His purposes in the local church?
Maybe it’s because I don’t like rejection. If I never ask, then nobody can say “no” to me.
The Body of Christ was designed for us all to play a part; to participate. By not asking, and saying “no” for someone else, I am stopping God’s plan for His church from happening.
I need to ask and let people decide for themselves.
I need to ask, to give people a chance to participate in what God is doing at our church.
I need to ask.
