Christian Leaders Who Leave a Legacy

Introduction

As a Christian leader, you are called to leave a legacy in the lives of others.

How will people summarise your work and life? How will they measure the impact of your leadership? How do you want to be remembered? How would you write your own eulogy?

Most of us are so caught up in the "now" that we rarely think about the kind of legacy we will leave behind, whether we move from one job to another (or to retirement), our children move out of home, or our lives come to an end. Far too many leaders assume legacy is something they need to think about later in life. Others do not leave a legacy at all (those who follow are left to pick up the pieces), or their work and vision quickly dissipate and they are quickly forgotten.

Good legacy building starts now.

Life "goes on" and all leaders ultimately disappear from the scene (see Psalm 146:3, 4). New generations come and old ones go. Great visions and passion (sometimes entire movements) lose their appeal and disappear as a result of inter-generational change.

After a couple of generations few people will know we even existed. Consider the fading names on gravestones at the local cemetery. See how much (if anything) you know about those lie there - and whether or not you care. The fact is, most of what we do will not last; things we cherish will ultimately "perish with the using" (Colossians 2:22). Unless we think seriously about the kind of legacy we are developing it is likely we will leave nothing worth inheriting. .

It is time to think about what sort of impact you want to make?

Thinking about your legacy will make you a better leader straight away. It will exert a positive impact on the way you plan and lead and how you communicate and the values you hold.

Finally, Christian leadership is not "about you". It is about glorifying Jesus Christ. Your legacy is not about celebrating your life or achievements, but maximizing the influence you can have in the lives of others so that you know your work for God is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Make your life count. Do it now.

What do we Mean by Legacy?


Pass on the best of yourself to those you lead. Set an example.




Jesus' Legacy for His Disciples


Jesus left you "an example, that you should follow in his steps". 1 Peter 2:21




Some Old Testament Leaders Who Left Legacies


We can leave good legacies or poor ones. Biblical autobiographies are full of both.




Some New Testament Leaders Who Left Legacies


"They will rest from their labour, for their deeds will follow them." (Revelation 14:13)




Factors that Kill An Effective Legacy


Be honest about your flaws; this allows God's grace and strength to shine through.




Factors that Kill An Effective Legacy


A positive legacy must be developed; it doesn't just happen.




Is Your "Mission" Worth Inheriting?


"Follow me as I follow Christ" (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1).




Developing NextGen Leaders


Every day, every experience, every relationship, we plant seeds even if we don't realize it




Starting Out - Where You Are


We reflect our leaders. "The apple usually doesn't fall far from the tree."
"From generation to generation we will proclaim your praise." (Psalm 79:22)


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