A Plan For His Purpose
Back in the eighties, there was a great show called, “The A-Team”. Its legendary cast, music, and plots have left a mark on all who watched it, to the point they made a movie about it in 2010.
One of the main characters would say in almost every episode, “I love it when a plan comes together.”
You know who else loves it, GOD?
God created plans and put things in a structure to function and thrive. We know this by looking at Nature and the rhythms He set in motion. Nothing is an accident and everything has a plan for His purpose!
This is the same for church transition.
Plans give clarity, vision, focus, and preparation for what is coming. This pleases God and empowers others to be a part of the transition.
We see an example of this in 1 Chronicles when King David transitioned to Solomon. The planning and details gave purpose and provision to what would happen next. King David and his leaders gave the resources for the temple to be built and King David gave the plans for it to be done.
“Then the family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and captains of the army, and the king’s administrative officers all gave willingly.”
1 Chronicles 29:6
“Give my son Solomon the wholehearted desire to obey all your commands, laws, and decrees, and to do everything necessary to build this Temple, for which I have made these preparations.”
1 Chronicles 29:19
Solomon had a plan for his purpose which would be the opportunity to glorify God and lead Israel to greater heights and that’s what he did.
“And the Lord exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel, and he gave Solomon greater royal splendor than any king in Israel before him.”
1 Chronicles 29:25
This successful transition happened because God blessed it and through His blessing, there was a plan for His purpose.
But think about the time and effort it took King David to plan and receive from God what was next. Then, he gave his personal wealth and the leaders followed and gave for the plan to be completed. This was blessed by God and Solomon ran with it to new places of success and growth for God and His people.
This is what we do as leaders through transition. We strategize with a plan for His purpose, which is to empower the next leader and team to thrive and prosper.
This is Godly! This is wisdom! This is how God does it!
However, too many leaders inherit chaos, unwanted surprises, and a church that questions leaders after transitions. This is a product of poor preparation for this transition and what God wants to do next.
The good news is we can do different!
We can plan and prepare so the transition is smooth and a new leader can thrive at new levels.
This is what we want as leaders to see the next generation exceed what we did. This is what God wants too!
So, here are three ways to have a plan for His purpose!!
First, Collaborate with new leaders.
Collaboration brings fruition to our plans and desires. This is especially true when transitioning to a new leader.
We must collaborate with plans and a vision of what is next. I believe this works best when the transitioning leader has set a vision that is big and far-reaching with clarity.
Then, the new leader is empowered to fulfill the vision and take it even beyond what is known or seen.
Hearing what the new leader wants to do and how they see it happening, is BIG for their empowerment to do it after the transition.
The transitioning leader should do this while they’re leading so they can set the course and make changes needed, for the new leader to thrive.
Jesus collaborated with His disciples and we must collaborate to
Second, write the vision down and be clear.
The Bible tells us to write the vision and a plan to run with it.
“Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.”
Habakkuk 2:2
Taking the time to do this is essential for it to actually happen. This is imperative for leaders to run with it and walk out the plan of God.
I’ve done this and have written out the vision in six main categories. This will empower our current team to know what we’re doing next and it will empower the next generation to move forward and expand on it.
God is pleased when we write the vision and then take steps to do it. We must remember that He works through plans and systems and when we do our part, He does His part and it’s supernatural!
Please take time and write the vision!
Third, let go and let leaders lead.
One of the greatest things a leader can do is delegate and empower others around them.
Anything great is done by a team and Jesus showed us that with His disciples. We must let go and let leaders lead to see transitions, flourish, and visions come to pass.
When we plan to transition, we must let go and let God move through new leaders. It’s not about us but rather about His plan with purpose. This is where we thrive in transition and it is where new leaders thrive in their new space.
We must model this by letting go and moving into what God has for us and them.
Jesus knew when it was time to let go and let the leader lead. He did this as He walked the earth, sending out the seventy and He did it when the Holy Spirit came in Acts chapter two.
If Jesus did it, we must do it.
This is our time! This is our moment to have a plan with purpose and let God multiply what has been done!!
No matter where you are in the leadership cycle, plan ahead. Think BIG, let God lead you to write the vision and see beyond your time. God will bless it and you will thrive in transition.
Have a great day and get a plan for His purpose!
PD
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