There are many good ideas about church ministry that remain as what they are —“good ideas” — because they were never lifted off the minutes of a meeting or strategic planning of a leaders’ retreat. What is this so? It is due to the absence of doers!

While Moses was able to provide direction as a leader, and his two capable assistants Aaron and Hur were there to support him and sustain his leadership for the long haul, the results may not have been significant without the contribution of Joshua. Joshua was instructed by Moses to “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites.” He “…overcame the Amalekite army with the sword” (Exo 17:9,13) and got the job done! He was the much-needed doer of the team.

Talents and Submission

It is wonderful to have people like Joshua. They are young and energetic, and full of passion and talents. They love challenge and will commit wholeheartedly to a project if they believe in it. Talented people are also people with strong convictions and enthusiasm. They need space to roam and a certain level of trust for them to have the freedom to exercise their giftedness. However, submission should be a part of the equation, or they can become a pain in the neck.

There was a clear demonstration of Joshua’s submission to Moses’ leadership: “So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered…” (Exo 17: 10). When the strength and energy of gifted people like Joshua are contained within the framework of a common vision, they contribute to the momentum and ultimately bring about the completion of the project.

The church of Jesus Christ is not lacking in talents and gifts. The Holy Spirit has given each believer spiritual gift(s) to serve the body of Christ (1 Peter 4: 10). What we often lack are gifted people who are willing to submit to leadership. When talents are combined with submission, they can become double-edged swords!

Lamentation and Challenge

There is a common sentiment in the church today: “Where are our Joshuas?” Church leaders may be concerned about the gaps in their leadership succession plans. It may appear that the “Joshuas” have given in to worldly pursuits. The younger generation is often perceived as being more eager to establish their careers and family than to serve the church of Jesus Christ, putting on hold their duties as children of God. Church leaders lament about the lack of commitment of this generation and how the trend of instant gratification has invaded the church. There may be some truths here, but it may also be timely for us to do a little reflection.

Could it be that the reason for the missing “Joshuas” in the church is because we don’t have something challenging enough for them to rise up to the occasion? Talented people do not want to waste their lives. They are constantly searching for worthy causes where they can invest their lives in a productive way. When we do not have audacious goals to challenge them, they tend to drift away. May I encourage you to turn your lamentation into challenge, and your challenge may just be what the “Joshuas” have been waiting for! Or if you are a “Joshua” waiting to rise up to the occasion, speak to a church leader to see where you can be of great service.

Vision without action is only good intention.
Let us commit to get the job done!

Dr Albert Ting,
Principal Singapore Bible College