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Identify potential successors while serving in the ministry
The preacher Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes wrote, “One generation passes away, and another generation comes but the earth abides forever.” (Ecclesiastes 1:4) He was speaking of the vanity of things done by man in his life on earth. Every man will die and disappear. The human life span is short in contrast with the earth’s existence, which seems to abide forever.
Realizing the mortality of man and the cyclical nature of each passing generation, it is important for the present workers of God to give thought to the matter of succession and passing the baton. This ensures continuity and enables church work to prosper when the next generation takes over the helm to drive the ministry.
Moses identified Joshua as a potential successor to the work of leading the Israelite nation. He took Joshua under his wing to serve the LORD (Exodus 33:11). Apostle Paul brought Timothy into the ministry at Lystra during his second missionary journey, after he saw that Timothy had faith, being taught the word from childhood by his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, and was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:1-3). Apostle Peter considered Mark his son (1 Peter 5:13), and he shared with Mark the experience of his three–year discipleship under the Lord Jesus Christ: the miracles of Jesus he had witnessed and the teachings he had heard. Mark subsequently recorded these in the second Gospel. Mark was also deemed by Apostle Paul as useful to him for the ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).
Joshua, Timothy and Mark were identified as successors for their spiritual qualities which later enabled them to become exemplary leaders and faithful stewards in the house of God.
Joshua feared the LORD and was a man of truth who hated covetousness. He was faithful, waiting for Moses to descend from Mount Sinai even after forty days and nights. He did not depart from the tabernacle to return to the camp of the Israelites (Exodus 32:17).
Timothy shared Apostle Paul’s sincere concern for the state of the brethren. Unlike others who sought their own, Timothy sought the things of Christ Jesus. With a proven character, he served with Paul in the gospel as a son with his father (Philippians 2:19-22).
Although Mark left Paul and Barnabas in Perga, Pamphylia during the first missionary journey and returned to Jerusalem, he later traveled with Barnabas to Cyprus to minister the word. Paul subsequently found him to be a useful worker in the ministry. He had the quality of persistence, and his earlier failure did not discourage him but strengthened his determination to serve the Lord (Acts 15:27-40).
Hence, effective succession planning requires predecessors to first inquire of the Lord, and then keep a lookout for successors with potentials to do the work. They need to identify those with spiritual qualities of faith, good reputation, holiness, spiritual wisdom, patience and endurance, and who are filled with the Holy Spirit, fear the Lord and hate covetousness (1 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Timothy 2:22). This not only applies to ministry work, it can also be applied to our careers. Because at the end, we are hiring the person, not just the education or the experience. A God-fearing heart is also part of the equation when considering the selection of successors in our career.
“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)
What can we do for the next generation, in the Lord? Find the answer by coming and learning more about the Doctrine through bible study, sermons and fellowship. We warmly welcome you to our upcoming Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org