Are you releasing leaders to soar?

Mike Bonem Jan. 28, 2018

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

As I left the meeting, I noticed a balloon high in the sky. I looked closely and realized it wasn’t one, but rather many balloons that were floating away together. As I turned out of the parking lot, I saw a group of 4- and 5-year-old children peering into the sky where they had released the balloons. I suppose their pre-school teachers had gathered them for a lesson or maybe a fun celebration.

My children are much older now, but I remember the joy that a simple balloon brought when they were young. I also remember the tears when a balloon got away. As a result, I would often tie the string of the balloon to their wrists or say something like, “Hold on tight,” or “If you let go, you’ll lose it.” 

I’m afraid that balloons are not the only place where a “clutching” attitude shows up in life and leadership. As I watched the balloons drift out of sight, I was reminded that there could be more joy in letting go than holding tightly.

This is one of many biblical leadership principles we can utilize from a helium balloon. 

Biblical leadership principles for soaring

What about our money? Are your finances —personally and as a congregation—characterized by generosity? 

It can apply to the way we relate to people. Do you try to hang onto talented individuals or release them to serve wherever their talents and passions intersect (even if that is in another ministry)? 

The ironic thing about keeping a helium balloon is that it will be lifeless on the floor the next day. The same can be true for the things we refuse to release. 

One friend likes to describe his biblical leadership style as permission-giving. He is a leader who is always releasing balloons. 

I see the positive results (and problems) that this produces in his organization. You see, my analogy is too simplistic. The chaos that comes with a mass release of helium balloons is OK, but too much organizational chaos can be destructive. 

The balloon analogy only presents two options: hold or let go. However, biblical leaders have many more possibilities. They can release some, but not all, of the resources. 

They can maintain some connection, like a very long string on a balloon, rather than completely releasing. We have more options, but our decisions are still guided by an underlying mindset. How is it for you—clutch or release? 

One final observation: as a father, I had the resources to replace my child’s balloon if it got away. I think the same is true of our heavenly Father.

How will these biblical leadership principles impact your team? Do you need to release more in order for your ministry/organization to go where God is leading?

Photo source: istock 

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Mike Bonem is an author, consultant, speaker, church leader, businessperson, husband and father. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a breadth of experience in ministry and business, including 11 years as an executive pastor, consulting with Fortune 100 companies, and leading a start-up business. This article was first published on MikeBonem.com. Used with permission. Learn More »

• Want an “A” team? Start with your “B” players (by Christian Muntean)
• Did you ever use one of these to share your faith? (by Tom Crenshaw)
• Why people don't respond when you talk to them (by Carey Nieuwhof)
• When preaching solutions, do these two things first (by Mark MacDonald)

Free eBook

Steps to Launching Your Personal Workplace Ministry

Have you ever felt the pull to full-time ministry work as a missionary or pastor? If not, you can still make a Kingdom impact without quitting your current job. In this eBook, you will learn the four essentials that can change your perspective of work, your workplace, and most importantly, your heart.

Download Now