by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed.D. @khutch0767

As Christian writers, many of us wear a lot of hats. We’re wordsmiths, editors, marketers, social media managers, and sometimes even our own graphic designers. We strive to do it all—and do it all well. But what if, in trying to handle everything, we’re actually stifling the very calling God has placed on our lives?

Delegation isn’t just a business principle—it’s a biblical one. In Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, observed that Moses was exhausting himself by trying to handle every dispute among the Israelites. Jethro wisely counseled him to appoint capable men to share the load. Moses listened, and the people were better served as a result. That story isn’t just about leadership; it’s about humility. It’s about recognizing that we’re not called to do everything, but to do what God has equipped us to do best.

In the world of writing, that lesson applies beautifully. God gives each of us unique strengths. For some, it’s storytelling; for others, it’s editing, marketing, or design. When we insist on doing everything ourselves, we risk letting pride dictate our actions instead of obedience. Pride whispers, “You should be able to do this on your own.” Humility says, “Someone else can do this better—and that’s okay.”

Before my mother passed away, I had a moment that brought this lesson home. I was venting to her about the growing costs of my writing career. I told her how frustrated I was at the thought of paying someone to create graphics and manage some of my social media. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it—I’m an artist, and I enjoy creating visual content. But the time it consumed was draining energy I needed for writing and mentoring others.

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” inject=”#BRMCWC #Writinglife #Writing”]The Power of Delegation In Our Writing Lives by @khutch0767 on @BRMCWC[/tweet_box]

My mother listened patiently and then said something I’ll never forget: “Let it go. Be a blessing to someone else who can make a living doing what they’re gifted at. You concentrate on what God has called you to do.”

That advice changed everything. I hired someone to help with graphics and online posting, and not only did it lighten my load, it allowed me to focus more deeply on my true calling—writing and encouraging other authors. That experience taught me that delegation isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of stewardship.

When we delegate, we create space for excellence. A well-edited book, a polished online presence, or an effective marketing campaign doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we allow others to contribute their strengths to our mission. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Collaboration makes us better, and it blesses others in the process.

As Christian authors, our goal should always be to honor God with excellence. That means writing well—but also allowing others to help refine our work, market it effectively, and share it with the world. Delegation is not only practical; it’s spiritual. It requires humility, trust, and the willingness to acknowledge that we’re part of a greater body, each with different gifts meant to work together for God’s glory.

So, if you’re feeling stretched thin, remember Jethro’s advice to Moses—and my mother’s wisdom to me. Let go of the pride that says you have to do it all. Walk confidently in your strengths and allow others to shine in theirs. You’ll not only be more effective, but you’ll also create room for God to do something extraordinary—through you and through those He’s placed alongside you.

Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022). She was a finalist in the Genesis Contest ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers/Romantic Suspense 2022). She is a finalist for the Claymore Award 2022 (Thriller Division) for the best-unpublished manuscript. She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor and virtual exhibition specialist for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine is the host of the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel and prequel to her first general market thriller novel, “A Fifth of the Story.”