THE DANGER OF DETAILS
Bonaventure
January 1, 1993
Administration constitutes another type of work for which a head is responsible. In this regard he should commit some tasks to others and reserve some to himself. As much as possible, however, he should avoid and excuse himself form any superfluous duties. Thus Christ put his disciples, including Judas, in charge of obtaining the material necessities of life, while he personally retained the duty of preaching and healing. But when he was asked to divide an inheritance among several heirs, he answered, "Who made me a judge or divider over you?" (Luke 12:13-14).
A good head delegates purely administrative responsibilities to others as much as possible. The ordinary necessities of life must indeed be taken care of, but a head who takes charge of them himself risks losing sight of the more important, nobler part of his job. In his mind's eye he will tend to see less of the interior realities that are more necessary for salvation.
We see this in Scripture: "Choose able men from all the people, such as fear God, men who are trustworthy and who hate a bribe … and let them judge the people at all times; every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves; so it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you" (Exod. 18:19-22).
And "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:2-4).
Some leaders find it easier to delegate pastoral responsibilities than administrative work; this is a serious error. If the head has no one ...
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