Day 27: What Are You Doing for the Next Generation?

After all this talk about legacy through your Lazarus moment and leaving a lasting impact, here's the million-dollar question: What are you doing for the next generation?

We’ve covered a lot over the last several weeks (don’t worry—we’re not done yet). You’ve received practical advice on how to grow through insecurity, become an empathetic servant leader, and stay focused on an eternal mission.

If you’re like me, along my leadership journey, you’re probably wondering:
“OK…what now?”

Here’s my answer: Find one person to mentor.
That’s it. Start with one.

Elijah and Elisha: The Power of One Relationship

Let’s look at a powerful example in 1 Kings and 2 Kings. When Elijah's time as a prophet was nearing its end, God told him to prepare the next generation:

“[15] Then the Lord told [Elijah]...' anoint Elisha...to replace you as my prophet.’ [19] So Elijah went and found Elisha...Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak across his shoulders...[21] Then he went with Elijah as his assistant.”

-1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21 (NLT)

And when Elijah was taken up to heaven:

“[9] Elisha replied, ‘Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit...’ [13] Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak...[14] He struck the water...and it divided. [15] The prophets said, ‘Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!’”

-2 Kings 2:9-15 (NLT)

Elijah made it a point to prepare Elisha to carry the mantle and multiply the mission.

We should do the same because just like Elijah, we won’t hold our current position forever. Promotions change, orders rotate, and kids grow up. Seasons shift. The question is:
Will your impact outlast you?

Sustainable Legacy: Build What Lasts

It’s tempting to leave a final mark through a flashy new project or innovative system. That is admirable, but remember, our goal is to achieve sustainable, long-term success. Therefore, the processes, procedures, and documentation (system) we develop should cause longevity.

Here’s how:

1. Train the Trainer

We’ve already talked about Jesus developing His disciples, and you’ve learned how to build an effective training plan. Let’s go deeper.

We often create training and education plans to develop subject matter experts, but what’s your mentorship plan? How will you teach others the principles you're learning through this Bible plan? And better yet, how will you equip them to teach others?

Our mentorship plan isn’t complete until it multiplies the impact. Training the trainer curates what’s taught and spreads that knowledge peer-to-peer. It boosts performance, engagement, and team cohesion while creating a scalable, sustainable culture where leadership reproduces itself.

2. Establish Repeatable Processes

I adopted this phrase from General Austin Miller, the final commander of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission and U.S. Forces–Afghanistan. He emphasized this daily so that his leaders:

• Focused daily efforts on sustainable practices;
• Avoided expensive, overly complex, or personality-driven systems; and
• Documented what worked so our successors could pick up where we left off.

The point: Learn from the past, lead in the present, and build for the future.

A repeatable process creates consistency while leaving room for creativity. It ensures your impact continues, even when you’re no longer there.

3. “Who’s Next?”

WWE fans, you’ll appreciate this: one of my favorite wrestlers, Bill Goldberg, would growl, “Who’s next?” after every match, ready for his next opponent.

Now, I’m not saying you should body slam your protégé, but I am challenging you to ask:

“Who’s next in line to carry this mission forward?”

Identify and invest in the “future you.” Develop someone who will take your place and surpass your accomplishments. That’s legacy and what leadership is all about.

Conclusion: Multiply the Mission

You’ve come too far to let what you’ve learned stop with you. Legacy is built through discipleship. Choose one, teach them, and empower them to teach others. You’re planting seeds for generations.