COMMON TRAPS LEADERS FALL INTO WHEN RAISING A SUCCESSOR
- Wrongful assumptions about leadership development
Presume leaders are born or just become leaders…
Looking at the natural/ outside appearance / what the world deems to be important
- Unwise time investment
90% of my time into those that aren’t interested or only willing to give 10% of their time
- Fear of Holding people accountable, confronting and challenging people
Eph 4:15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (children tossed around by every wind of doctrine…)
The starting point – pray for God to expose a man or woman’s heart
This isn’t a leaders’ right or privilege. A bridge of trust needs to be in place to enable frank and honest discussions with people.
To be silent on life issues because of I’m afraid, shows a lack of love for people
- Uniformity – gravitating to those that look like me ONLY
Looking for the finished product
- Insecurity – dominating those who are more gifted than you
- Being reactive –
The last-minute leadership search
David anointed way before Saul was done and dusted; Solomon anointed and David continues to lead
- Fear of not being able to replace the leader incumbent
What happens if they go?
HOW DO I ENSURE GREAT LEADERS ARE PRODUCED FROM MY LOUNGE?
- Pick by revelation AND observation (Samuel with David)
Dudley Daniel – used to speak about revelation and observation when it comes to the things of God
Revelation – allow God to show and anoint. Not always the standout or most obvious
Observation – don’t kiss your brains goodbye
Don’t get desperate when you have no options
- Invest time into people – no shortcuts!!!
We cannot disciple everyone well, but we can disciple a few eg. Jesus creates a closed circuit in his 12 disciples
This can be frustrating because there are casualties along the way and people don’t live up to our dream for them
This does not need to be deeply spiritual always, let it happen on the road
Take people with you informally
Bring them into your space – you should be good for them
Meet up twice a month/monthly formally
- Give them maximum exposure
- Expose them to more than just yourself – other leaders, leaders training
- Look for ignition points, moments where their mind can be blown open – Trans-local forums, prayer meeting etc.
- Less traumatic when I’m out the picture
- Covers the blind spots I may have
- GET tons of feedback & GIVE tons of feedback
Ask them their thoughts on life, meetings, preachers, God, the Bible, people etc.
I get to hear their theology, what makes them tick, their belief system
- Pick the right timing to release a new leader
There’s no manual to this – don’t make the call by yourself
Premature – long-term damage (inconsistent, weak & recent faith, unfaithful)
Belated – people have become frustrated (no one will ever be fully ready)