— DAY 5 —
FRIDAY 7 AUGUST, 2026
THE POWER OF PROPOSAL
SETTING THE SCENE
As we saw earlier, when Moses was on the verge of total burnout trying to judge every dispute, Jethro stepped in with a brilliant, highly innovative idea for a decentralized leadership structure. To understand this dynamic, you have to understand ancient culture. As the elder, the father-in-law, and a priest himself, Jethro held immense relational and cultural authority over Moses. He could have easily pulled rank, manipulated the elders of Israel, or commanded Moses to change his system. But what is truly masterful is that despite his seniority, Jethro recognized the unique leadership mantle on Moses’ life and chose to defer the final decision to him. Jethro brought passionate initiative, but he wrapped it entirely in honour, creating a blueprint for how leaders should communicate upward.
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
Exodus 18:17 to 19 (NLT)
"‘This is not good!’ Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. ‘You’re going to wear yourself out and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you.’"
Exodus 18:23 (NLT)
"‘If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.’"
Proverbs 25:11 (NLT)
"Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket."
Proverbs 16:21 (NLT)
"The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive."
James 3:17 (NLT)
"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere."
COMMENT
Every healthy church desperately needs leaders who possess initiative. We want leaders who see gaps, dream up solutions, and bring fresh ideas to the table. However, having a great idea is only half the equation. The way that idea is expressed determines whether it is a blessing or a burden to your leader.
When Jethro saw the dysfunction of Moses trying to judge every dispute, his opening line was a little blunt, "This is not good!" Because he had deep relational capital and his motive was fiercely protective of Moses' well-being, he could be direct. He didn't get mad, he didn't complain to the other Israelites, and he didn't let his frustration build up for months until he finally exploded. He addressed it proactively and constructively.
But notice what he does next. He doesn't pitch his idea in front of everyone to put his leader on the spot. He did not deliver this idea in public, where it could have easily undermined Moses' authority in front of people. He approached him in private.
We also have to remember the unique dynamic here. Jethro was older, and he was Moses' father-in-law. In ancient culture, Jethro held the ultimate trump card of age and family status. It would have been incredibly easy for Jethro to pull rank or let his pride convince him he knew better. But spiritually, Moses was the leader of Israel. Jethro recognized that Moses carried the mandate from God. Despite his age, Jethro stayed entirely in his lane. He spoke the hard truth behind closed doors, offered a clear solution, and then did something profoundly honouring, he left the final decision completely up to Moses.
The crucial key is found in verse 23, "If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so..." Jethro essentially said, "I have this idea, but you are the one carrying the mandate for this nation, so you have to make the final call." When you go to your leader, do you use language that lets them know you are on their side? Do your words prove that you are fighting for the exact same mission they are? If a man who held cultural superiority still chose to defer to the mantle of leadership, how much more should we?
When you have a new initiative, you have two choices, you can either empower your leader to make the decision, or you can paint them into a corner. Painting a leader into a corner sounds like this, "I've already told my team we are changing the schedule," or "If we don't do my idea, this whole ministry is going to fail." It forces the leader's hand. Presenting ideas with honour means you bring your absolute best, most passionate thinking to the table, but you hold the outcome with open hands. It means giving your leader the space, the respect, and the freedom to say "yes," "not right now," or even "no," without you getting offended.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO APPROACH WITH HONOUR
Pitch in Private: Jethro did not publicly critique Moses' leadership style. Never surprise your leader with a massive new idea, a critique, or a structural change in front of a group. Pitching ideas publicly can easily paint them into a corner or make them look unprepared. Protect their authority by bringing your initiatives to them behind closed doors.
Bring Solutions, Not Explosions: Do not let frustration build up until you finally vent it all onto your leader. Process your emotions first, do the heavy lifting of thinking through a viable solution, and present it calmly.
Frame It as a Proposal: Change your language to show you are on their team. Instead of saying, "We need to do this," try saying, "I noticed a gap and drafted a potential solution to help us move the mission forward. I’d love to submit this to you and get your thoughts."
Stay in Your Lane: Like Jethro, recognize who carries the ultimate mandate for the church. Bring your best advice, but refuse the temptation to assert dominance or pull rank just because you feel strongly about your idea.
Accept "No" Without Offense: If your leader decides not to implement your idea, drop it immediately and cheerfully. Do not pout, hold a grudge, or try to backdoor the idea later. Hold your ideas loosely.
THE SUPPORT SELF ASSESSMENT
Pick the number that best describes where you feel you’re at right now with each of the the leaders God has placed over you (ALL OF THEM).
The Hijacker: When I have an idea, I often just implement it without asking, or I present it in a way that forces my leader's hand. I view asking for permission as an unnecessary roadblock.
The Critic: I let frustration build up. I easily spot problems and frequently point out what is wrong, but I rarely bring well-thought-out, honoring solutions. When my leaders don't fix things the way I want, I get mad.
The Growing Contributor: I bring good ideas and try to be respectful, but I still struggle with my pride. If my leader says "no" or wants to change my idea, I tend to get offended or take it personally.
The Honoring Proposer: Like Jethro, I proactively bring direct, honest solutions to the table in private, but I hold them loosely. I use language that proves we are on the same mission, I empower my leader to make the final call, and I happily submit to their decision.
ACTION POINTS
The First Five: Give God the first five minutes of your day in silence before checking your phone, submitting your intellect, your ideas, and your pride to His authority.
The Proposal Filter: The next time you bring an idea to your leader, ensure it is in private, and intentionally frame it as a question rather than a demand. Try using the phrase: "I noticed this gap and had a thought on how to fix it, but I want to submit it to you to see what you think."
Release the Outcome: Practice holding your ideas loosely. Think of a recent idea you had that was shot down or delayed, and consciously choose to let go of any lingering offence today.
MAIN QUESTIONS
(Self Reflection)
Let’s Talk in the Chat
(on the Boot Camp group in Planning Center)One of the best parts of this journey is that we aren’t doing it alone. We’d love for our chat to be a place of real connection. As you go through each day, please jump in and share:
Self Reflection: What did the test reveal to you today?
God’s Voice: What is one specific thing you feel the Holy Spirit is whispering to your heart?
The Wins: Did you do the First Five minutes of silence? Tell us about it!
Approaching with Honour: What is the practical difference between presenting an idea that empowers a leader versus one that paints them into a corner?
Please Read:
Don't worry about sounding 'spiritual' The most encouraging thing you can share is your honest process. This is a self-reflection about what God is speaking directly to you about in YOUR life. Words like “I” and “Me” are encouraged, “we” and “us” less so.
PERSONAL PRAYER STARTER
"Lord, I’ll be honest, when I see a problem or have a great idea, my natural instinct is to just take control and push it through. Forgive me for the times I have painted my leaders into a corner, let my frustration build up, or presented my ideas with pride rather than humility. I want to be a leader who brings fresh initiative, honest feedback, and real solutions, but I want to do it with deep honour. Help me to pitch my ideas in private, hold them loosely, stay in my lane, and always empower the leaders You have placed over me. Amen."