Not on My Watch

“Not on my watch.” 

My thoughts reverberated with those words as I drove to Sunday morning worship a few day ago. I had heard them a number of times from a workshop speaker two days previously, as she enthusiastically shared her passion for women’s ministry and emphasized God’s call to her as a leader. 

“Not on my watch” were significant words that shaped her leadership focus. She wanted to be sure women knew how to study the Bible so they could know Jesus. She did not want women to miss out; not on her watch. This phrase kept her centered on her goal. It reminded her that she was responsible to God for leading well, and that time was precious. After all, she would not always be in a position to lead and influence women. 

I was intrigued by this idea, and also by the terminology, so I did a little research to learn where the term “not on my watch” came from. It's a nautical phrase referring to the nature of command on board ship. Days and nights are divided into "watches" – like shifts in a factory - and the officers take turns as the "officer of the watch”. During that time, they not only are on duty; they are in charge. They are responsible for all that happens with the vessel and the crew, ensuring that the ship fulfills her mission. A dark night, stormy weather, malfunctioning radar, dangerous reefs or tides, even another ship on a possible collision course…the officer must be resolved that nothing untoward will happen “on my watch.”

Those of us who lead in ministry are not ships officers, but the idea of being “on watch” seems to be an apt metaphor for what we do. 

What is my responsibility, for example, in women’s ministry in our church family? On my watch, I want women to know Jesus more intimately, so they can grow in their understanding of who Jesus is and who they are as God’s children. I want them to learn to experience the “one another’s” of faith together, so they can share in community as sisters in God’s kingdom. 

The challenge is that leadership roles only last for a season and then they’re done. In a previous church, I oversaw women’s ministry for almost a decade. Yet the day came when my responsibilities in that role ended. My time on watch was over. 

Knowing that there will be an end point should create a sense of urgency to act and to be responsible as a leader with the mission we’re given. This perspective shouldn’t compel us to be run ahead of God, or to push our own agenda to get things done. Rather, It is a reminder that our role must be taken seriously and prayerfully, as we encourage others in the life of faith. 

For me, I cannot bear the thought of a woman coming within my sphere of influence, and failing to help her grow in grace, in wisdom, and in the fruit of the Spirit. As God gives me the ability, I will not let that happen. Not on my watch. 

How about you? What will you accomplish on your watch? Is there an area of discipleship that is so compelling, so urgent, so essential that you believe failure is not an option? That you find yourself saying: “By the grace of God, I cannot let that happen…not on my watch?” 

Let me pray for you as you step into your day. 

Dear Jesus, thank you that each person who believes in you can be part of your kingdom work. I pray for those who are leading (in whatever capacity) that you would guide their steps and give them wisdom. May they feel a sense of urgency and responsibility, even as they rely on your Spirit to give them strength and wisdom. Help them to navigate the challenges in their service with grace and a heavenly perspective. May they be faithful during the time they are “on watch”. In Your Name, Amen.