2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. (NLT)
Here we see the importance of succession planning. In modern day society, succession planning is very much a business orientated word, where management are always scouting people who have potential within their business to develop. Once they locate these people, they then ensure that the potentials are given the training they need and the opportunities to succeed so that eventually, when the time comes, they can step into the next level of management when the time comes.
In verse 2, I understand succession planning to be ensuring that there is a trustworthy team of believers who will be able to carry on spreading the good news, and or serving either when you have gone, or for when the Lord calls you away from a particular area. Churches built up in the way of the Acts church should continue to seek to minister to and care for “up and coming” evangelists, prophets etc to ensure that the Lords work can continue, not only when age takes over but also to GROW!
With regard to growth, churches can get very settled in their small group of friends, and they forget the original command, “make disciples of all nations”. They cease to grow, they cease to evangelise, they cease to invite other friends, and eventually the church dies as it members pass on. Its a sad state of affairs but so common as the principle of “succession planning” from 2 Timothy 2:2 gets ignored. However if the 2 Tim 2:2 principle is applied, not only will there be people to carry on the work once others have passed on, but there will be more available to do the work TODAY to spread the word, and grow the church.
Each of us as Christians have a maturity level. Some have spent many years with the Lord and are extremely wise and it is their responsibility to help and nurture those younger Christians. I myself am no where near a mature Christian, however even at a “teen” level of maturity, it is our responsibility to help those who are just starting out in their Christian walk and help them grow. We can do that with regular prayers, regular feeding on the Word and regular fellowship with each other.
Can you see potential in someone? Then don’t just sit back!
