Who Will Replace You?

When I was a student, the woman who would later become my boss visited our school and asked a simple but powerful question to the person in charge:
“Who here can replace you? Who are you building up to one day take your place?”

At first, it sounded a little harsh, but it quickly became one of the most valuable leadership lessons I’ve ever learned. It made me realize that every position, title, and opportunity God gives us is temporary, not so we’ll give less effort, but so we’ll be intentional about making a lasting impact and raising up others to continue the work when our time is done.

Don’t be afraid of being replaceable. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful opportunities we have as leaders, to build, believe in, and invest in others. To spot their raw talents and help polish the gifts God placed inside them.

But here’s an important truth: you can’t build into people who aren’t willing to learn. That’s why it’s so important to identify those on your team who have both the ability and the heart to carry the vision forward, maybe even better than you can.

One of my favorite reminders of this comes from Jesus Himself in John 16:7 (NIV):
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”

Some versions say “It is best for you that I go away.” John 16:7 (NLT)
If even Jesus, in His perfect leadership, recognized the importance of stepping aside so someone greater for that season, the Holy Spirit, could come and continue the work, why do we sometimes cling so tightly to our roles as if they define us?

If you struggle to let someone else take your place, it might be a sign that your role has shifted from being a calling to becoming an idol. Positions are meant to be platforms for service, not pedestals for self-worth.

True leadership is about building others, equipping them fully, and celebrating when they shine. This has nothing to do with age or experience, whether you’re young or seasoned, if you’re not actively raising up someone to replace you, you’re stuck. And what stays stuck eventually dies.

Today, I want to challenge you:
Who are you investing in?
Who are you training, encouraging, and empowering to one day step into your place?

Give them everything you can. Keep your eyes open for new people to mentor and uplift. The beauty of a healthy team is that the mission continues, sometimes even stronger, when you’re not in the room. That’s what healthy leadership looks like. That’s how we stay like flowing water, always moving forward.

Every dream God gave you isn’t meant just for you. It’s meant to multiply, so others can live in their purpose too. I love Jesus, and I love the Holy Spirit, and now I truly understand that it was necessary for Jesus to leave so that the Holy Spirit could come and continue His work in us.

Let’s lead with the same heart!

Thank you for walking alongside me on this leadership journey. It’s an honor to share the lessons and experiences that have shaped me as a leader and a daughter of God. I pray these moments inspire you to lead boldly, love people well, and create lasting impact in your team and community. And may we always remember, whatever we do, we do it to glorify God and leave this world better than we found it.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me today that, just as You modeled for us, an important part of my calling as a leader is to mentor, equip, and build others up to one day take my place. Thank You for the privilege of serving in this position, I don’t know how long this season will last, but I ask that You never let me lose sight of the purpose behind it.

Help me remember that this is not about my platform, but about reflecting Your light, making an impact, and fulfilling Your purpose in this place. Give me discernment to recognize the people You’ve placed around me to invest in. And as I do, guard my heart so I don’t grow bitter or territorial, but better, growing in generosity, freely offering the knowledge, wisdom, and experience You’ve entrusted to me.

Thank You for thinking of me, for calling me to lead in this season. Don’t let me lose sight of how valuable and sacred this opportunity truly is.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.