Delegation Object Lesson

In Acts, the principle of delegation is taught as the Church is growing. Peter and the Apostles called 7 men to assist in administering the temporal needs of the Church (one of them was Stephen).
I compared this pattern of delegation to the Church today where Bishops have counselors, Quorum and Auxilliary Presidents, Teachers, Home Teachers, Visiting Teachers, etc.
This is what I used for the object lesson (wish I would remember to snap a photo during class-but it doesn't feel right to stop what I am doing. Perhaps I need to assign this to one of my students)

• 2 plastic pails (large enough that they will get heavy when filled with water)
• 2-3 Pitchers of water (optional-label them "needs of a Ward')
• Call a student up front and designate or label them "Bishop"
• Have him/her stand with arms stretched out straight to each side.
• Place an empty bucket on each hand
• Instruct student that no matter what, his arms must stay straight as he is leading the Ward.
• Have class start naming all the different needs in a ward and who the leaders and teachers are who help with each need. 
• With each need, pour a small amount of water in each bucket. 
• Continue naming needs such as teaching Primary, giving blessings, administering the sacrament, helping a family who needs food, teaching the youth, youth activities, scout leaders, camp fundraisers, etc. 
• The buckets will get very heavy and the "Bishop" tries to hold his arms straight and lead the ward alone.
• Call up 2 "counselors" to help support the buckets
• Discuss how much easier it is with help
• Continue to fill the buckets
• As they get heavier, call up a "Primary President", "Scout Leader", "Seminary Teacher", etc. to demonstrate that the more people who support, the easier the load is to carry.
• You can place labels on the "Bishop" and "Counselors', etc. but not necessary to be effective.

This was an effective way to open the discussion regarding delegation, supporting our leaders, every calling is important, all of us doing our part, etc.

This can be adapted for families when teaching the principle of working together and all members of the family doing their part.