— 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.

 
DAY 5 - SCRIPTURES

SCRIPTURE PASSAGES

Exodus 18:17 - 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 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

DAY 5 - COMMENTARY

THE POWER OF PROPOSAL

We need people in Gods’ church that have initiative, that see gaps, dream up solutions, and bring fresh ideas to the table. This so important to advancing His kingdom. But it’s one thing to have an idea and it’s another thing to know how to express the idea to your up-line or leader. The language we use matters. It will determine whether it becomes a profound blessing or an unintended burden to those above us.

So what should we do when we have a great idea about how to improve church or move a ministry forward? How should we approach it?

There is something to be learned from Jethro as he approaches Moses with his idea.

1. His approach was rooted in care

Jethro saw the immense weight Moses was carrying. Because he had relationship with Moses, he could speak directly, saying, "‘This is not good!’ ‘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.” It’s obvious from this that Jethro was coming from a place of having Moses’ best interests at heart. He also had the people’s best interest at heart. Jethro chose a proactive, constructive path rooted in genuine care for how to move forward for everyone’s gain.

2. He went straight to Moses

Notice the maturity of Jethro’s approach, he did not allow frustration to build in secret. He didn’t air his idea publicly to rally support before going to Moses. He didn’t speak to others first. He didn’t force his idea upon Moses in front of other people which would have put him on the spot or undermine his authority, he went straight to Moses to talk about it. Private conversations create an environment of trust, safety, and mutual respect.

3. He left the final decision to Moses

The crucial key is found in verse 23, "If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so..." There is so much in his approach here that we can learn from. “IF you follow this ADVICE.” These words carry so much honour, honour of Moses’ role and the mantle leadership that he had on his life. He didn’t tell Moses that it need to happen. It’s never cool to simply tell your leader what to do. It instantly puts them on the spot, forces them onto the defensive, and frankly, no leader likes to be approached like that. Jethro’s language created space for Moses to be empowered to make the final call. I’m sure this dramatically impacted how Moses received Jethro’s idea.

THE WRAP UP
How we approach our leaders matter. The language we use matters. We can either tell them or we can propose an idea for them consider. One paints them into a corner, the other provides space for them to pray, consider and weight it up. Through our language we can let them know that we genuinely care for them and the ministry. 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.

The power of proposal!

 

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 PROPOSAL 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).

DAY 5 - SELF-ASSESSMENT

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

    1. 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."

    2. 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)

DAY 5 - QUESTIONS

Let’s Talk in the Chat
(on the Boot Camp group in Planning Center)

Jump into the group chat today and share:

  1. God’s Voice: What is one specific thing you feel the Holy Spirit is whispering to your heart about how you present ideas or feedback to your leaders?

  2. Self Reflection: What did today's lesson reveal about your heart posture when a leader says "not right now" or "no" to an idea you are passionate about?

  3. Approaching with Honour: What is the practical difference between presenting an idea that empowers a leader versus one that paints them into a corner?

  4. The Wins: Have you ever experienced the power of proposal by going directly to a leader in private with an idea rooted in genuine care? Tell us about it!


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."

 
REGISTER COMPLETION OF DAY 5