Passing the Torch: Mentorship and Leadership in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound theme of "passing the torch" through the lens of both a historical story and biblical scripture. We began with the inspiring tale of the Washington Huskies' junior varsity rowing team, who, against all odds, qualified for the Olympics. Their journey was marked by hard work, unexpected support from rivals, and a powerful moment of humility and generosity. This story serves as a modern-day parable for the biblical transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua.
Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness, faced immense challenges and responsibilities. His father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to share the burden of leadership, leading Moses to mentor and develop Joshua. Joshua's journey from a young warrior to the leader who would finally bring the Israelites into the Promised Land is a testament to the importance of mentorship and preparation.
We also reflected on the broader biblical narrative, where God often calls individuals to start missions they will not complete themselves. Examples include David, who prepared for the temple he would never build, and Eli, who guided Samuel. This theme is echoed in our own lives and ministries, where we are called to contribute to God's work, even if we do not see its completion.
In our church community, this call to "pass the torch" manifests in various ways, from mentoring young people to supporting each other in faith. We are reminded that our role is not just to lead but to prepare others to lead as well. This is a collective effort, rooted in the understanding that God's mission transcends our individual lifetimes.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Humility and Generosity: The story of the Washington Huskies' rowing team and their rival coach's generosity teaches us that true leadership often involves humility and the willingness to support others, even when it means stepping aside. This act of kindness allowed the team to achieve their Olympic dream, illustrating how selflessness can pave the way for others' success. [34:53]
2. Mentorship and Shared Leadership: Moses' journey with Joshua highlights the importance of mentorship and shared leadership. Jethro's advice to Moses to delegate responsibilities underscores that effective leadership involves empowering others. This not only lightens the leader's load but also prepares the next generation to continue the mission. [39:52]
3. Starting What We Cannot Finish: We are often called to begin works that we will not see to completion. This can be challenging in a culture that values finishing tasks, but it is a vital part of our faith journey. By contributing our part and trusting others to continue, we participate in a larger divine plan. [43:11]
4. Biblical Examples of Passing the Torch: The Bible is replete with stories of leaders preparing their successors. From Moses and Joshua to Eli and Samuel, these narratives remind us that God's work is intergenerational. Each leader's role is to prepare the way for those who follow, ensuring the continuity of God's mission. [45:17]
5. Community Commitment in Faith: In our church, the act of passing the torch is a communal responsibility. When we baptize individuals, we commit to nurturing their faith. This involves active participation in their spiritual growth, whether through mentorship, teaching, or simply being a supportive presence. [46:58]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:28] - Washington Huskies' Olympic Journey
[36:31] - Moses and Joshua: A Biblical Transition
[38:34] - Jethro's Wisdom and Shared Leadership
[40:42] - Joshua's Development as a Leader
[42:01] - Moses' Final Charge to Joshua
[43:11] - Starting What We Cannot Finish
[45:17] - Biblical Examples of Mentorship
[46:16] - Community Commitment in Faith
[49:04] - Symbolism of the Olympic Torch
[50:27] - Encouragement to Pass the Torch
[01:03:15] - Invitation to Discipleship
[01:07:41] - Upcoming Church Events
[01:08:23] - Poem: Prophets of the Future, Not Our Own
[01:09:39] - Benediction and Sending Forth
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 18:13-24 - Jethro's advice to Moses about shared leadership.
2. Deuteronomy 31:7-8 - Moses' final charge to Joshua.
3. 1 Samuel 3:1-10 - Eli mentoring Samuel.
### Observation Questions
1. What advice did Jethro give to Moses about leadership, and how did Moses respond? ([39:52])
2. How did Moses prepare Joshua to take over leadership of the Israelites? ([40:42])
3. What was the significance of the coach from the University of California, Berkeley, helping the Washington Huskies' rowing team? ([34:53])
4. How does the story of Eli and Samuel illustrate the theme of mentorship and passing the torch? ([45:17])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is humility and generosity important in leadership, as demonstrated by the coach from the University of California, Berkeley? ([34:53])
2. How does Jethro's advice to Moses about shared leadership apply to modern-day church leadership? ([39:52])
3. What does Moses' final charge to Joshua teach us about trusting God's plan, even when we don't see its completion? ([42:01])
4. How do the stories of biblical leaders like Moses, David, and Eli show the importance of preparing the next generation for leadership? ([45:17])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to step aside to let someone else lead. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience? ([34:53])
2. In what ways can you practice humility and generosity in your current leadership roles, whether at church, work, or home? ([34:53])
3. How can you apply Jethro's advice to Moses in your own life? Are there responsibilities you need to delegate to others to avoid burnout? ([39:52])
4. Think of someone in your life who could benefit from mentorship. How can you start investing in their growth and development this week? ([40:42])
5. How do you feel about starting a project or mission that you may not see to completion? What steps can you take to trust in God's larger plan? ([43:11])
6. Identify a young person in your church or community. What specific actions can you take to support their spiritual growth and leadership development? ([46:58])
7. How can you create a culture of shared leadership and mentorship within your small group or church community? ([48:25])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Humility and Generosity
True leadership involves humility and the willingness to support others, even when it means stepping aside. The story of the Washington Huskies' junior varsity rowing team and their rival coach's generosity teaches us that selflessness can pave the way for others' success. This act of kindness allowed the team to achieve their Olympic dream, illustrating how humility and generosity can have a profound impact on those around us. In our own lives, we are called to embody these virtues, recognizing that our actions can significantly influence and uplift others. [34:53]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to support someone else. How did you respond, and how might you approach similar situations with greater humility and generosity in the future?
Day 2: Mentorship and Shared Leadership
Moses' journey with Joshua highlights the importance of mentorship and shared leadership. Jethro's advice to Moses to delegate responsibilities underscores that effective leadership involves empowering others. This not only lightens the leader's load but also prepares the next generation to continue the mission. By mentoring and sharing leadership, we create a legacy that extends beyond our own capabilities and time, ensuring that the mission continues with strength and wisdom. [39:52]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life whom you can mentor or share responsibilities with. How can you begin to empower them today to take on more leadership roles?
Day 3: Starting What We Cannot Finish
We are often called to begin works that we will not see to completion. This can be challenging in a culture that values finishing tasks, but it is a vital part of our faith journey. By contributing our part and trusting others to continue, we participate in a larger divine plan. This perspective helps us to focus on our role in God's mission, understanding that our efforts are part of a greater tapestry that spans generations. [43:11]
Hebrews 11:13 (ESV): "These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth."
Reflection: Reflect on a project or mission you are currently involved in. How can you embrace the idea that your role is to contribute faithfully, even if you do not see the final outcome?
Day 4: Biblical Examples of Passing the Torch
The Bible is replete with stories of leaders preparing their successors. From Moses and Joshua to Eli and Samuel, these narratives remind us that God's work is intergenerational. Each leader's role is to prepare the way for those who follow, ensuring the continuity of God's mission. This understanding encourages us to invest in others, knowing that our efforts will help sustain and advance God's work beyond our own lifetimes. [45:17]
1 Samuel 3:1, 19-20 (ESV): "Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli... And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord."
Reflection: Consider someone you are currently guiding or could guide in their spiritual journey. What steps can you take to ensure they are well-prepared to continue God's work?
Day 5: Community Commitment in Faith
In our church, the act of passing the torch is a communal responsibility. When we baptize individuals, we commit to nurturing their faith. This involves active participation in their spiritual growth, whether through mentorship, teaching, or simply being a supportive presence. Our collective effort ensures that each member of the community is supported and encouraged in their faith journey, reflecting the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. [46:58]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: Think about your role in your church community. How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth and support of others in your congregation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "This is a moment of great humility for the coach of the Cal Berkeley team, but it's also a moment that demonstrates the power of passing the torch on to the next group who is qualified and equipped and ready to meet their goal." [34:53] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are called by our baptism to start what we cannot finish. We are called by our baptism to start what we cannot finish. And I imagine that might be hard. You have to accept, right? We have been taught to check off our to-do list. Maybe you've been told don't start something that you can't finish." [43:11] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What we learn as people of faith is that we are not called to just pave our own way but rather to be a part of God's mission. We are called to make a way for those who come and walk beside us or follow us or even those who surpass us and lead us." [46:16] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I invite you this week to let this not just be something that is extinguished here and you don't think about again, but instead to trust that God's light is going with you, that it is not just a symbol, but the truth that God is in you. The spirit is moving." [49:43] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Friends as workers, you are called to pass the torch, to trust that God has given you gifts, and you are serving well, but also to seek ways that you can pass on your faith or help raise other people up to take over one day." [01:09:39] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Moses trusted Joshua enough to pass the torch. And so how do we get there? Of course, we know Moses begins with this burning bush moment where God calls him to go and free God's people from Egypt. And Moses does so, though, of course, unwillingly, protesting, maybe with some imposter syndrome, unsure of how he's going to accomplish this calling." [36:31] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jethro is amazed by all that Moses is doing for the Israelites, but he also questions Moses. In Exodus 18, he says, What is this that you're doing for the people? Why do you sit alone and they come and stand around you day and night? And Moses, not quite understanding the question, says, Because the people come to me to ask about God." [39:52] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Through all these critical moments in the life of God's people, Joshua was there with Moses. And Moses is helping to ensure the following generations would love and fear God. He serves his people by pouring into the life of another. And immediately after Moses' death, Joshua is ready to take the lead." [42:01] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We know that sometimes God says not yet to us or let someone else do it or prepare the way for them. Sometimes God uses us to prepare the next generation like Moses does for Joshua. We see this in Eli as he tells Samuel to answer the Lord, here I am, when the Lord calls his name." [45:17] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are invited to raise up other leaders, to mentor other people, to prepare the path for others, to pass the torch to the next person. This is the part of our calling as people of faith. We need each other and we are called to notice the gifts in one another and to put them to use." [48:25] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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