Moses was experiencing stress like any leader of a growing movement. The people had ″increased″ in number to as many ″as the stars in the sky″ (Deuteronomy 1:10). As a result, Moses was finding it difficult to ″bear [their] problems . . . burdens . . . disputes all by [himself]″ (v. 12). Centuries later, Paul would echo this sentiment when he wrote, ″I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches″ (2 Corinthians 11:28).

The burdens of a leader have been consistent through time. Good leaders are like parents. They love their people so much that it troubles them deeply when those in their care are discontented or have conflicts. Perhaps, the burdens would have been more manageable if they personally cared only for a few people, but it would be overwhelming if they were responsible for a large number.

Moses did not resent the growth in numbers. Rather, he told the people, ″May the Lord . . . increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!″ (Deuteronomy 1:11). Numerical growth can indicate that a larger number of people are being blessed by God through the ministry, which certainly honours God.

But as the numbers swelled, so did his responsibilities of pastoral care. Moses was running himself ragged trying to look after the people by himself. Noticing this, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, proposed an administrative solution (Exodus 18). He suggested that Moses delegate responsibility and appoint ″leading men of [Israel's] tribes . . . to have authority over [them]-as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens″ (Deuteronomy 1:15). The smallest units were groups of ten, which were easier for one person to manage. Perhaps this decision marked the beginning of the small group method of caring for people that has been so effective in the history of God's people.

Administrative changes in a movement often cause dissent and disunity among members. But here, the people agreed that Moses' administrative decision was ″good″ (v. 14). Not only did he appoint leaders, he also gave basic training to those who were chosen, instructing them to judge fairly and to be impartial (vv. 16-18).

As leaders appointed by God to take care of His flock (1 Peter 5:2), when numbers swell, we must ensure that all members are cared for. If we cannot adequately care for everyone, we must still ensure that everyone is cared for through delegation. Growing movements need to make administrative changes that enable them to care for their people without hindering growth.