A succession plan is a well-conceived road map for the future of your organization, allowing it to extend its reach as its leaders transition into other roles.
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Jesus planned His earthly succession.
Surprised?
As a Christ-follower, you are intentional about following Jesus in every area of your life. Follow His steps in this area, too. When it comes to creating a succession plan, check out what Jesus did and did not do.
Jesus Did Not Plan to Stay Forever
Jesus planned His exit. He knew that His earthly ministry would last forever … but not with Him present in a physical body. A major effort in His job was to prepare His followers to do “greater things than these… because I go to the Father” (John 14:12).
Sure, when He referenced His departure His team pushed back. But no amount of denial from the disciples could alter the fact that the early church’s earthly leadership would change.
Are you planning on staying in your role forever? Jesus didn’t. Leaders make a grave mistake in avoiding making a succession plan. Embrace the opportunity to equip your ministry to move beyond you and do greater things.
Jesus Did Plan His Succession – Intentionally
Effective succession is a positive process. An intentional plan allows the wonderful work you’ve started to continue – and multiply.
Even Jesus, who is eternal, planned for continuity. In order to maintain the work of the ministry, He planned ahead for the transition and groomed the next leaders to fill roles successfully.
After choosing His transition team (the disciples), Jesus invested a significant portion of His ministry in developing them: He offered opportunities for the disciples to watch Him minister (miracles throughout the gospels), then opportunities for them to minister alongside Him (Feeding the 5,000, Matthew 14), and finally opportunities for them to minister on their own and report back to Him (Sending of the 72, Luke 10).
Succession Is Not Cessation
Planning your succession does not imply ending your role in ministry, but rather transitioning to a new one. Even today Jesus continues to nurture the ministry He launched, albeit in a supernatural role.
He had in mind “greater things” for those who took on responsibilities in His ministry. No doubt, He has “greater things” in mind for leaders like you, too.
Jesus planned His earthly succession, and as a result today we’re a part of that legacy.
Aren’t you glad He did?
