God is the God of the future and his plans include selecting and preparing leaders for the future. In 1 Samuel we see that God had a hand-picked king in place and even though Saul had many more years of solid service, God already had his eye on his successor. 'The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people''(1 Sam. 13:14). As leaders in God's service, we too need to be looking into the future. Who are the leaders that will take over after us?
In God's planning, God selected a youth! Why? Because God knew that preparing a leader takes time and life experience. God knows better than we do that leadership development is best started early in life. So God selected a young man, committed to him, put key spiritual leaders around him, and orchestrated key responsibilities and tests to shape and prove him for leadership. Who are the young men and women around you in YWAM that God has his hand on for future leadership and how can you participate with God's development plan?
We see additionally, that God selected an isolated shepherd virtually unnoticed by his father, his brothers, the king, or the army recruiter. David was not selected on the basis of his warrior skills or proven leadership skills, but he was selected on the basis of his heart. God's primary concern was a heart attuned to his voice, his purposes, his passions, and his ways. God proved through the rest of 1 Samuel that a man after his heart can be empowered with needed skills and produce great victories. Who are the young men and women around you in the mission whose hearts are attuned to God? What opportunities can you give them to channel God's passion and power?
Succession planning is a business term describing the selection and development of tomorrow's leaders today (Fulmer, 2006). God's been into succession planning since creation! We who are eternally minded have powerful motivation to focus today on developing our successors for tomorrow in cooperation with God. Who are the young Davids you can champion?
DEVELOPING OUR GREATEST RESOURCES!
Volume 3, Issue 4
Compiled by Randy and Jane Rhoades, Staff Development Facilitators, YWAM Africa.
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