SUCCESSION.
To some that’s a bad word. To some it’s an unspoken word. To others it is a word that fulfills the first part of that word: SUCCESS.
I’ve been reading a lot lately on succession. I’m on my second reading of Next by Vanderbloemen and Bird (First and now second edition). I’ve read two others and will soon read The Elephant in the Boardroom by Weece and Crabtree.
Why? To put it bluntly: I’m 71 years old, soon to be 72 in October. I start my 20th year at OVCF (the church I pastor) in November. I’m not getting any younger. (I know, sad, but true). 🙂 And even though it would be nice to keep pastoring and living to a good old age that isn’t guaranteed. The stats are still one out of one I will kick the bucket. So not only do I need to prepare for my transition out of this life, I also need to prepare for my transition out of OVCF. I want it to grow and live on! NO ONE wants to see something they have given their heart and soul, blood, sweat and tears to go down the tubes. Unless, of course, that person is a narcissist.
There is an old saying
Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it. (George Santayana, philosopher)
“Wise leaders in pastoral succession will learn from the past.” (Vanderbloemen and Bird-Next-p.154) In my reading I have read of enough failures to know I. DO. NOT. WANT. THAT!
A wise leader also learns to recognize when age, health, or simple lack of effectiveness affects or will soon affect his/her future. That goes for any CEO; founder: leader; church planter; or in my case, a pastor who loves his people.
I’m reminded of the words of John the Baptizer when asked about the popularity of Jesus over him. John said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (John 3:30 NLT) And that is the whole point of succession. For me at least. I don’t want to hold back the advance of God’s kingdom because of arrogance and pride.
That same principle applies to all leaders faced with the need for succession. Don’t hold back the advance of your company because of arrogance and pride. While I’m not a CEO, A CFO, or any other “O”, I want to see God’s kingdom move forward, especially at OVCF.
