SUCCESSION MANAGEMENT

by Lydia

Today as I was going through the presentation slides of the Organisation Chart for my company, I noticed a department in Human Resources called "Succession Management"..

And that got me thinking.. My company realizes that the people in management posts won't be there forever.. Either through resignations, retirement or retrenchment, human resources and the company in general will have to face the reality of workforce turnover..

Even if the person in charge is away on leave or for business, someone has to stand-in if urgent matters arise..

That also means that my company does not believe in promoting people who are unskilled/clueless to replace an ex-colleague.. Be it in the management, executive or non-executive levels..
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In the Bible, we also can see examples of Succession Management.. The most famous of all would be Moses & Joshua.. Timothy, being a 'protege' of Paul.. and so on..

In the church, we all (young and young at heart) have to realize we will not be here forever.. Be it through death, relocation and other reasons, there is a need to ensure that the baton is not dropped..

The punchline? ALL OF US are involved in the Succession Management of the church..

From the foreground ministries to the background ministries.. We need mentors and disciples.. Music Ministry.. Life Groups.. Chairing for meetings and events (baptism/weddings/funerals/etc).. Ushers & Hospitality.. Pulpit Ministry.. Children's Ministry.. and so on

Bear in mind that this is not the picture of the old kungfu masters and disciples.. Where the master will only pass on half of what he knows, to ensure he is number one..

In fact, in the church setting, the mentor should aim to impart as much as possible to the disciple.. Even to the point of the disciple being on par (or even better than) the mentor..

All for the glory of God..

So where do we discover the successors?.. In the Youth Ministry.. Young Adults Fellowship.. Even the Children's Ministry..

The church always welcomes volunteers.. Do not hesitate to speak up and avail yourself.. Not only will you ease the workload.. You will be a blessing to the brothers & sisters in Christ..

And the reward for that can only be given by the Lord..