5 Keys to Organizational Transitions: Part II

In the book of Acts, the disciples found themselves amid a dramatic transition. Jesus, their leader of three years, had ascended to heaven. His disciples were left to figure out not only their future, but also the future of Jesus’ teachings and their fledgling church.

After a time of corporate prayer, Jesus’ disciples began working on the second key to organizational transitions –identifying and filling in their leadership voids. With Judas’ betrayal and suicide, the disciples realized that it was prophesied and important that they replace Judas’ position.

Acts 1:24 says, “They prayed and said, ‘You, Lord, who know the hearts of all people, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’”

Earlier in the passage the disciples consulted the Psalms and the Holy Spirit’s guidance through King David. They had gathered to discuss the issue, not leaving it to one person or another but coming thoughtfully, prayerfully, and biblically together to select an appropriate replacement.

If your organization is in a transition, prayerfully consider any leadership voids that need to be filled. Those voids and their subsequent filling may represent the future direction of your business.

Questions for Reflection

• What are the gaps in your leadership? What are potential future gaps in your leadership? Do you need a different kind of leader to navigate significant change? Do the expectations of the leadership role itself need to change? If so, how?
• Do you have a thoughtful list of the requirements for any new leadership position? Both technical skills and personal values?