This is how Christian leaders ought to and should view succession. When it comes to matters of success, there is a stark difference between the sacred and the secular. Succession in Christian leadership is more than a change in title or office it is a spiritual and communal journey that reflects continuity, faithfulness, and divine calling. From biblical times to the modern church, the transition from one leader to another has carried profound significance, shaping the direction of congregations, denominations, organizations, and the global Christian witness.
As I have reflected on my own succession for close to 3 years, I have trusted the Lord that my succession would be an act of worship and that it would bring Him glory. When life threw curve ball to what I thought was a well-crafted plan, I went back to the Lord and to the drawing board late last year and trusted the Lord that we would keep the timelines I had trusted Him for.
It was therefore with immense joy that I witnessed the goodness of the Lord, on July 11th as my successor was inducted into office, close to 6 months before my official retirement date. I felt that the Lord had honored my desire in a wonderful way! Now I get the privilege to hand over the work in an orderly manner that will ensure smooth transition a continuation of the ministry God has entrusted to us. For the past many years, I have attended various servant leadership courses that has taught me that for the Christian leader, even their succession must bear witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. It is what scripture teaches us. It is what I know.
The concept of leadership succession is deeply rooted in Scripture. In the Old Testament, Moses passed the mantle of leadership to Joshua through a public commissioning and the laying on of hands (Deuteronomy 34:9). This act symbolized the transfer of authority and the continuity of God’s mission.
In the New Testament, Jesus prepared His disciples for leadership, particularly Peter, who was given a foundational role in the early church (Matthew 16:18-19). The apostle Paul also mentored younger leaders like Timothy and Titus, emphasizing character, doctrine, and the laying on of hands as essential elements of succession (1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 2:2).
Below are some key principles for health succession that I continue to pick along the way.
1. Spiritual Discernment: Prayer and seeking God’s will are central. Succession should not be driven by politics or popularity but by divine calling and gifting. I have been at the place of prayer countless times as I sought God’s chosen leader to succeed me. We meet for prayers with the management team every Monday morning and this has been a constant prayer. The entire recruitment process was covered in prayer at each stage. I thank God for answering in such an unmistakable way.
2. Mentorship and Preparation: Outgoing leaders should invest in emerging leaders, modeling servant leadership and providing opportunities for growth. I had done this for a couple of years before life threw the curve ball at me and what I thought was a perfect plan. Through this, I learned that however well prepared we may think we are, we must be open to the fact that God, has the final say. And that His ways are not our ways! His way as the Bible says, is perfect. I am grateful that I get the opportunity to walk with my successor in a mentorship relationship as she takes the ministry to the next level.
3. Transparency and Communication: Clear communication with the staff members and stakeholders of the organization helps build trust and unity during the transition. Through regular communication with the staff at each stage, our board of Directors, through my office, kept the staff members updated at every stage. The staff prayed for the interviews during staff devotions and got an early opportunity to meet the selected leader.
4. Continuity and Innovation: One of the ways, I feel God has honored me this process has been to hand pick a leader who was once my student. I taught her Media Management, Planning and Evaluation for her master’s degree. Our interactions since May and sitting together during the month of July have left me convinced of both the continuation of the work and of the new innovative projects and programmes in the making. While committed to honoring the past, our new leader is empowered to lead with fresh vision, guided by the Holy Spirit.
5. Ceremonial Affirmation: We had a beautiful ceremony on July 11th, 2025. It was the Public commissioning or induction, the laying on of hands, and blessings from the outgoing leader and clergy to affirm the legitimacy and sacredness of the transition.
To God be the glory! Wonderful things He has done.
Succession in Christian leadership is not merely administrative it is a sacred trust. I have loved hearing these words these past couple of months. When done prayerfully and wisely, it ensures that the mission of the organization continues with strength, integrity, and faithfulness to God’s calling. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14) a charge that echoes through every generation of Christian leaders.
As I recognize that succession matters can be difficult and emotive, I remain grateful to God for a smooth process that has seen Trans World Kenya leadership change hands from Dr Bernice Ndegi Gatere to Dr Evalyne Njoki Chege.
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