Responsible for the overall messaging and alignment of values and mission. 

Lead Pastor. 

Responsible for visual and audible expressions of the mission and vision of the organization.

Worship Pastor.

Responsible for the inspiration to be better than our feelings, to maximize what we're made of and have at our disposal. 

Dad.

Responsible for the fueling of any element that brings fulfillment to those entrusted under my care.

Mom.

One of the main things I do with clients - from churches to secular organizations, a few thousand dollars in the budget to $100M+ - is guide them towards clarity of responsibility.

What we all do is determined by how (or if) we see out responsibilities. 

Sadly most people see what they do as the primary purpose and even their identity. It's why we all ask others "So, uh, what do you do?"

I understand this is because very few people know what they're responsible for. And many others who do know don't want it.

Admit it, you know a lot of people who run from responsibility. Heck, you did just this week. Me too. The responsibility to eat healthier, to save money, to apologize, to be quiet, to read your Bible, to be grateful. 

On the flip side, imagine the tremendous power that exists with embraced responsibility. 

Responsibility is not a right, it's a privilege. So when you feel like or told you're responsible for something, give thanks. You're either old enough, well enough, smart enough, tall enough, pretty enough, or just lucky enough to be responsible. Own it!

To carry responsibility efficiently and therefore effectively means it has to be memorable and portable. 

These examples at the top of this email are memorable and portable. They're not universally true for everyone who holds those positions. Each person (and role) can define their responsibilities in their context. 

BUT can you fit it in a sentence? 

If you can't then I'd suggest you don't really know what you're responsible for.

You quickly drift into a list of tasks and activities, some you may indeed have to do, but are not your primary, overarching responsibility. 

It can be a run-on sentence. You can have commas and colons. But you must have clarity.

THEN run hard after the mission implied by that responsibility. Focus on that, knowing the periphery and wake will be filled with the blessing and fruit that overflow from success of the primary mission. 

Moms, you keep fueling what brings your children fulfillment (not happiness) and I promise their manners and education will catch up. 

Dads, you inspire through example and consistency what it means to serve, win, and love in spite of your feelings, I promise your kids will learn how to earn a living and change a flat tire.

So... what are you responsible for?

Can you fit it in a sentence?