In the Gospel of Luke Chapter 12. Jesus was teaching a crowd of people when some random guy interrupts Him with this: “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or an arbiter between you?” This account begs the question for those who lead: Where is the middle between the extremes of people-pleasing yeses and people-dodging no’s?

Three Ideas:

• “No” is not always the right answer:
  • Lazy people say “no” all the time.
  • Learning when and what to say “no” to—guilt free—is critical to ministry longevity.

• “Yes” is not always the right answer:
  • Use your mission as a filter to help you decide what you will and won’t do.
  • When your leader asks you to do something that is not mission critical, yes is usually a good answer. Do your best to collaborate on priorities.

• Work on your confidence:
  • If you struggle with telling people “No” . . . you might be insecure.
  • Insecure leaders tend to overcommit.
  • Saying no is part of being a good steward of your calling, time, and energy.

You do not exist to cater to every whim of those you lead. It’s not good for them . . . or for you . . . nor the organization you lead.