I thought I was through reflecting on succession until my friend sent me one of those ‘forwards’ on WhatsApp. It had to do with retirement and new beginnings. I must admit I have been getting quite a number of those recently. A few things from this one stood out for me. The author (unknown) looked at it from an African perspective. Africa, she, or he asserted, must stop burying wisdom alive at 60! Africa’s biggest mindset mistake, the author said, is to equate retirement to irrelevance. The writer continues to argue that Africa must re-think retirement before it loses a generation of wisdom. The problem, they say, lies in framing sixty as the finish line, yet in other parts of the world and in sectors such as academia it is prime time.
There is wisdom that can be borrowed from academia and other parts of the world and applied in building post-retirement engagement platforms such as advisory councils, think tanks and mentorship schemes in Africa. There is wisdom in encouraging and engaging in second careers in consulting, academia, farming, writing or politics.
Leadership transition within Christian ministry and other sectors too, is a sacred and significant moment, one that marks both an ending and a beginning. While much attention is often given to the incoming leader, the journey of the outgoing leader is equally important and deeply spiritual. It is a time to reflect, release, and renew.
I now share a few thoughts on embracing new beginnings after retirement, whether early or at sixty plus. Whether by premature exit or for whatever reason, it marks the beginning of legacy. How exactly do we reflect, release, and renew?
1. Honoring the Season That Was
Christian leadership is not merely a role; it is a calling. Elsewhere I have started sharing about my many years walking in what I believe is God’s call for my life. Now as I step down, it is vital to honor the season of service that has passed. I am doing this by sharing the various milestones and acknowledging the victories, the challenges, and the growth that occurred under my stewardship. Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” The end of a leadership season is not a loss, but a fulfillment of purpose.
2. Letting Go with Grace
Transitioning out of leadership can stir a mix of emotions, gratitude, grief, uncertainty, and hope. Part of my letting go has been the trips to the field to say farewell to the teams and to the work I have helped build for many years. Goodbyes can be tough. Letting go with grace means trusting that God’s plan continues beyond one’s tenure. For me, I have the added blessing of seeing that continuation through my successor. It is my joy to bless the new leadership and embrace something new. If we are to be guided by scripture and we should (for people of faith) we have notable examples in Moses handing over to Joshua, Elijah to Elisha with humility and faith that the work belongs to God as does the new leader.
3. Rediscovering Identity Beyond the Role
I recently made a trip with a group of people. One of the requirements was to fill in a form with personal details including job title. One lady shared how the organizers were not so satisfied with her answer. Against the job title, she wrote- retired! Many leaders find their identity intertwined with their position. Transition offers a divine opportunity to rediscover who we are outside of their title. What were we before the leadership title? A communications expert? I am still am. A Christian worker? I still am. It is a wonderful time to reconnect with God not as a leader, but as a beloved child. Before I embark on my next assignment, I am finding this season to be rich with personal renewal, deeper intimacy with Christ, and fresh revelation about my life of service.
4. Embracing the next Chapter
The end of one chapter is the beginning of another. I am so grateful for the opportunities that mark my next Chapter and for the community God has surrounded me with that keeps affirming me and urging me on. I confidently echo the words of Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” God is always at work, and the transition under whatever circumstances may be the gateway to a new ministry, a new passion, or a new way of serving. And this is exactly what it is for me.
This marks the end of my reflections on succession.
In what other ways can we embrace new beginnings?