Who will step into your shoes?

Who will take your place in ministry if you die or have to take time away for a season?

We continue in life and ministry until the Lord takes us home or moves us on. We all know this. Therefore, the important question is:Are you discipling one or two people who can continue your leadership when you go?

A gifted leader was struck by cancer after several years. His role was critical for his agency and the sport movement. It was a slow and painful loss for his family and friends.

Another retired high profile athlete was full of new excitement to serve. In the midst of his excitement a fast moving illness took his life.

A young passionate leader died in a car crash. He had never taken time to disciple someone to take over his role.

Another friend was forced to leave his country. All that he began would have ended if he hadn't discipled others.

Our times are in God’s hands. All of us get to the end of seasons in our lives and have to move on. All of us will die. Youth offers no guarantees!

What then is your first job as a leader? It’s to find someone qualified to succeed you. Go so far as to look for a successor who is more gifted than you. If you take this approach, your leadership will be shaped by enabling the next generation, not just serving the present needs.

2 Timothy 2:2

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

It is important to see your leadership as a time of enabling the leaders who will come after you. The New Testament models mentoring and discipling in this way.