EXIT PLANS

Wednesday: 5th June, 2019

Reference text: Acts 20:28-38

Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

When new staff are meant to take over the role of an older team, there is always a transition period within which teething problems are dealt with. This involves the handing over of all crucial information including personnel and external connections as well as asking questions necessary to ensure continuity of services.

Today’s text is an account of Paul’s goodbye to the church in Ephesus. He tells the elders of the possible impact his departure was likely to have on their community of faith including internal strife and external opposition. However, he also takes time to remind them to be watchful, then commended them to God’s grace. Another account for reference would be the prayer of Jesus for Peter: ‘Satan has desired to sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you (Lk 22:31-32)

The similarity in these two accounts is what we could refer to as’ exit plans’. Both Jesus and Paul made sure that while they departed, those left behind had what they needed to go on by themselves. So I also ask, have you considered plans for when you are not around? Don’t think too far, but just about the current position you hold because unless you actually intend to remain in the same post for the remainder of your days, ask yourself if you are you putting things in place to ensure continuity when you step away?

My dear, let’s not create an atmosphere of absolute dependence such that without us, nothing can run smoothly. That may sound like we’re doing a great job, but the end game would not be promising. Long story short: “Serve with others in a manner that enables them to render the same or better service even in your absence”.

#sly