By Jeff Brink, May 7, 2024

Several weeks ago, we began this series by introducing the analogy that all of God’s children are working in His family business, the largest business ever created. Every day should be viewed as a family workday, working side-by-side with our brothers and sisters in Christ to continue God’s work on earth and make a kingdom impact.

Worldly family businesses typically have goals and objectives, both short and long-term. A typical list looks like this:

• Building a name (or legacy)
• Growing the business (or flourishing)
• Providing for the family
• Developing and maintaining a sterling reputation
• Succession planning

Today, we conclude this series by connecting these worldly pursuits to building God’s Kingdom family business and providing practical insight. Our final topic is succession planning in the “family business.”

It is often said that the ability to achieve a smooth transition from one generation to the next is a hallmark of successful family businesses. However, succession planning for transition is rarely easy. The key is recognizing that succession is always a marathon, not a sprint. I believe this summation also applies to succession planning for the kingdom of God.

God wants to grow His kingdom through us, throughout every generation, and to the ends of the earth. God calls on His family members to proclaim the good news of Christ, spreading the gospel everywhere and to all nations (Matthew 28 18-20). This includes our largest sphere of influence – where God has placed us in the marketplace (our jobs) and our associated networks. In addition to sharing the gospel, consistently modeling Christ-like behavior and living out Christian values at work are critical for sowing seeds for the next generation of believers. This is what succession planning looks like in God’s family business.

As with worldly family businesses, successions are rarely easy or smooth. Bold kingdom ambassadors are often rejected, persecuted, and ridiculed. “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).  It requires faith and perseverance to resist the forces of Satan and the secular world, while advancing God’s kingdom.

Remember, succession planning (or raising up the next generation of believers) is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes, the seeds we sow take years or decades to bear fruit. Don’t be discouraged when you don’t see immediate results. God will use you in mysterious and unseen ways to make a kingdom impact in His timing, not yours. We must faithfully abide and trust in the Lord and let the Holy Spirit guide our actions. As Paul told the Ephesians, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

I am honored and privileged to work alongside you and all our brothers and sisters in Christ. Together, let’s grow the family business, build our brand globally (exalting the name of Jesus), provide for God’s children, maintain a godly reputation, and lead future generations into God’s kingdom.