MAKE ROOM FOR OTHERS

Making a difference includes helping someone else discover how they can make a difference. That can challenge our desire to remain useful, visible, or in control. Yet Christian leadership is not measured only by what we accomplish ourselves. It also includes the people we prepare, encourage, and trust to serve beyond the limits of our own reach and capacity.

In Ephesians 4, Paul describes gifts the risen Christ gives to his church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Their work is to equip God's people for ministry and build up Christ's body. The surrounding passage points towards unity, maturity, and truth spoken in love. Ministry is therefore not the private possession of a gifted few; the whole church is called to participate.

Jesus remains the source and centre of this shared life. We do not equip others to make them dependent on our approval, reproduce our personality, or preserve our importance. We help them grow towards him. His death and resurrection have brought believers into one body, where different gifts can serve one Lord. Another person's growth is not a threat to our calling; it belongs to the purpose of it.

Consider someone whose willingness is greater than their confidence. They may need more than an invitation to help. Explain why a task matters, demonstrate it patiently, and offer an opportunity to practise with support. Give clear responsibilities without demanding that every detail reflect your preferences. Afterwards, discuss what went well and what needs attention. Encouragement becomes especially useful when it is specific, truthful, and joined to patient instruction.

Empowering others also requires wise boundaries. Readiness matters, particularly where children, finances, pastoral care, or vulnerable people are involved. Training, safeguarding, and accountability are expressions of love, not obstacles to spiritual growth. Some responsibilities should be shared gradually. We honour people when we neither abandon them to tasks beyond their preparation nor keep them permanently waiting because we fear losing our place.

As Called to Make a Difference moves towards its closing days, ask whether your service makes room for others to become stronger. You may need to share knowledge, hand over a suitable responsibility, or celebrate someone else's contribution publicly. You do not need to become unnecessary; you can become generous. Under Christ's leadership, your faithful investment can help another believer serve with greater understanding, courage, and care.