Preparing for a New Leader

 Leadership is very important for any group of people. The quality of the leaders determine much of the health of the group. This is true for families, for churches, and for countries. Once we have a good leader, we need to follow his leadership. Then, when it is time for a new leader, we need to prepare well.

Moses knew this truth about Israel. He did not want the people to be like sheep without a shepherd, so he asked God for His direction for a new leader. (Numbers 27:18,20) So the Lord told Moses to take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom was the Spirit, and to lay his hand on him. Also, he was to give some of his authority to Joshua, so all of the sons of Israel would obey him. That was very wise counsel for them and for us today.

People get used to having a leader, and changing to a new one is very hard, especially if the leader was as successful as Moses. The key to making the transition to a new leader is finding the right person. The spiritual maturity of the new leader is a big factor. He must be a person who is a believer and follows the Holy Spirit who is in him well.

Another step to success is to empower the new leader with authority before the old leader steps down. Then, the present leader can have time to tell the people about the new leader, and they can see his competence, as he assumes some of the responsibilities. Once the transition takes place the people have confidence in the new leader, and the new leader knows what to do from his experience.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 28-30.