Passing the Baton...

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." - 2 Timothy 2:1-2

During the Olympics we find a wide variety of competitive races. Most involve one athlete who will carry the whole race by themselves.  But the "relay" race depends on the involvement of many. At certain points in the race the next athlete picks up the cause until they pass it on to the next team member. The relay race is all about "passing the baton".

Paul taught, mentored, and wrote Timothy by passing on great Biblical truth and spiritual experience. He expected Timothy to do the same by entrusting such lessons to reliable men who would also pass them on to others. The role of leadership is a "relay" event; not to be run as a single or private privilege. It is a calling intended to change lives, while equipping a new generation. We are expected to "pass the baton".

Every pastor has great Biblical truth and spiritual experience to pass on to others. The theme of the "Next Generation" is a significant focus of this passage. Pastors are best raised up by pastors. Who are you mentoring for future ministry today my friend? Do you have someone to whom you are "passing the baton?"

~ PJVS

"Leadership training cannot be done on a mass scale. It requires patient, careful instruction and prayerful, personal guidance over a considerable time. “Disciples are not manufactured wholesale. They are produced one by one, because someone has taken the pains to discipline, to instruct and enlighten, to nurture and train one that is younger.”

~  J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership