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When They No Longer Need You (And 4 ways to prepare)

It’s one of the hardest things to do, but…

One day, if you’ve done your job well…

It will be time to get out of the way and let them grow.

It hurts…

Just being honest.

A part of you wants them to need you forever.

It could be as a parent…

Or as a leader…

Or as a pastor…

They may still “need you”…but not like they once did. They’ve grown. They’ve changed. You’ve changed. Things aren’t the same. You did your job. Now it’s their turn. That’s what disciple-making is all about. Raising up new disciple-makers.

When they are ready to fly solo…

Release them to God’s care…

Here are 4 things you can do to prepare them for the release:

Let them know – Assure them they have what it takes to do all God calls them to do.

Let them grow – Give them ample opportunities to learn new things along the way; whether from you or from others.

Let them sow – Allow them freedom to exhibit their talents and abilities under your guidance.

Let them go – Again, it’s the hardest part, but when it’s time release them. You’ve done your job.

Good job disciple-maker.

It won’t be easy. You’ll have to discipline yourself, but…

It’s the right thing to do.

It’s a quality all great leaders, parents, pastors…have in common. It’s part of doing our job well.

Have you had to let go?

Was it difficult for you?

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Ron Edmondson

Author Ron Edmondson

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Join the discussion 6 Comments

  • Joe Lalonde says:

    We have to let go to students yearly in our youth group. As they grow older and graduate or move on. Seeing them leave can be tough. We never know where they're going. Some make us proud, others disappoint. But knowing we did our best sustains.

    I love your idea about letting them know. It's something I'm going to purposely start doing now, especially as graduation season is upon us. Thank you for this great reminder.

  • Melissa says:

    Yes, through children moving away and job transfers. Yes, children growing up and becoming independent was most difficult. We realize it is a natural process, but at times it can be hard and we pray our way through those moments.

    Just this past week as I was leaving our local university gym each afternoon, there were the area graduation ceremonies ending each day with recent graduates posing for pics, celebrating with family and visiting with friends that they won't see as often as their high school days….and then I looked across the street at a soccer practice with youngsters running the field. Just the span of time that I noticed from one extreme to the other was interesting.

    I realize that is total trust in God to get us through changes and without that, I don't know how people manage….

  • charles stone
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    says:

    beautiful post, Ron. Praying for a rich experperince at Lexington.