The Baton of Leadership

Over the course of the last couple of weeks I have twice witnessed or heard about a change in leadership. Dr. James Dobson recently stepped down as Chairman of the Board for Focus on the Family, a ministry he began 32 years ago. While listening to the Boundless Show podcast, the team gave their accounts and reactions to the ceremony where Dr. Dobson passed on the baton of leadership to the next generation. Although, Dr. Dobson is not completely stepping away from Focus, as he will still be involved with the radio broadcast for example, the team's sentiments seemed to agree upon the grace and honor that was shown through the transferring of authority. There was a lot of media buzz as these events transpired, whether it was questions about why he was stepping down or discussion as to who may become a leader for the family and the Christian Right. The Boundless team shared how it may have seemed for many hard to understand the smooth transfer of power or to think that conflict brought about the change. This could not be further from the truth, but rather in the passing of the baton was a display of leadership, wisdom, and humility to allow a new generation of leaders to lead as well as the opportunity to help them along the way. Dr. Dobson said it well in his remarks (read them in their entirety here) when he said:

One of the common errors made by founder-presidents is to hold the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority.

Often we see leadership change hands, be it by choice, by force, by election, by death. Likewise, the power and the authority leadership gives many times seems to corrupt, callous, and create a giant ego for the leader. It makes it very tough to release it and can cloud one's vision in terms of seeing that new leadership is needed. George Washington was quite astute in understanding this when he turned down the possibility of being king for the newly founded nation as well as setting precedence for only two terms in office as president. He seemed to recognize the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1-3:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build

Last Tuesday, I witnessed for myself transferring of leadership to Ben to head up MORE. The evening was quite awe inspiring as Billy was able to pass on the baton of leadership to him through prayer and anointing. It was great to watch as the baton passed and the humility of both the passer and receiver was displayed. It is a testament to God's provision as well as the foresight given to allow a time of transition & guidance before Billy is many miles away.