Who knows where those thoughts emerge from? Is it just me?
Listening to the outstanding Palm Sunday cantata by our choir Sunday that traced through some of Jesus’ last week, the thought popped into my mind–succession planning.
Yes, this is an essential leadership function. None of us last forever. We need to plan for the next generation of leadership. It’s on my mind relative to the soccer referee association that I have led for many years. Now, I’m about to take on a new ministry at church and among my first planning thoughts are how to recruit a successor.
So, Jesus. After that thought (we know from the Gethsemane story) about “what did I get myself into?”, must have come the thought “did I do a good job of succession planning?”
After all, he knew they would scatter. He told Peter that he would deny knowing him three times that very night. John seemed to be more steady, but he was more the intellectual and less the blustery, forceful leader. The movement needed both.
He devoted the better part of three years in succession planning. Now he was facing death. Would they be ready?
We’re the next generation that’s preparing yet another generation. Are we ready? Will they be?
I’m sure the doubt was momentary. Of course he did a good job. And we know that people usually grow into their new leadership roles. Unsteady at first until they find their footing and voice. That first generation went from cowardice and uncertainty to be powerful. They set the pattern.
I’m encouraged by the early leadership of Pope Francis. I pray that many, many other Christian leaders emulate that leadership. Which seems to be of a piece handed down from the master leader.
Faith Venture 
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