Preparing Future Leaders

Throughout the exodus journey we see Moses communing with God. Along the way, and not too far behind, we catch glimpses of Joshua, Moses’ faithful supporter and understudy. Those visions are valuable insights into an important element of leadership, the succession plan. Moses, already alerted he won’t take Israel into the Promised Land, follows God’s guidance and prepares Joshua to relieve him as the leader of the nation; even blessing and endorsing Joshua’s leadership before the people. 

An essential function of every leader is to prepare others to serve and lead, even after their departure. It is the lesson we see in Elijah mentoring Elisha, Paul encouraging Timothy and Titus, and even Jesus training His disciples. Success in our families, ministry, communities, commerce, or any endeavor is not gauged simply by our performance in the here and now, but our long-term vision to look ahead to secure the future objectives of any entity by developing future leaders. The most successful leader is the one whose voice and presence extends beyond their lifetimes, to influence those who follow.

We can be so focused on the daily challenges of doing and leading, we forget our responsibility to prepare the next generation, the next class of leaders. Have we opened ourselves up by sharing the secrets of our success? Have we confided in others the lessons learned from our failures? Have we provided mentorship and correction to benefit others whom we recognize need guidance? Have we given those who follow us the benefit of open endorsement and encouragement so they and others know you have entrusted them with the legacy of leadership?

If all we are and all we know follows us to the grave, we have missed a treasured opportunity to pour our being into someone who could have benefited from our experiences. We have denied the world the value of prepared leaders taking our places when the time comes.

So, looking at your family, ministry, community and sphere of influence and ask, who will lead when you are gone, and have you done an adequate job of preparing them for that responsibility? Have you set an example and empowered them with godly leadership skills to take on the challenges of the future? If not, what are you waiting for?