In the business world they call it succession planning — grooming the next generation of leadership. Elijah “groomed” Elisha as a prophet — letting him shadow his prophetic work for some time before, literally, passing on the mantle. The Church, on the other hand, seems to thrust people into positions of leadership with little or no planning. A pope is selected, a pastor is chosen, a religious superior is elected and expected the pick up the ball and run with it. While this can (and has!) created problems there is also a profound lesson in this method. It shows remarkable faith in the Holy Spirit. We tend to “groom” those who are like us. The Holy Spirit chooses whoever the Church needs at this particular time.
JUNE162018
By Church Staff
