Contingency Plans

I struggled with today's post, not really having anything in mind, or rather, coming to mind... even as the day progressed. Then I happened to catch Dave Ramsey's show, apparently in the middle of a conversation with someone who had called in with a situation about a will and the handling of an estate.

Then Dave did what he always does... shares from personal experience. He went on to share how his family and his leadership team at Ramsey Solutions, meets annual to discuss the unthinkable event. Dave chuckled as he said, "I hate this meeting, because it's all about me dying!" But that's what it is. Annually. The family and leadership discuss what happens in the event Dave dies this year.

And I thought, wow... how many organizations have this established. How many churches. I won't even ask how many homes. Then to advance further... not only setting up the level of detail that Dave has, but to annually re-evaluate and revisit what's transpired, what's changed, who is involved. Relationships changed. People's lives, needs and own careers and aspirations change.

The associate pastor who once said they'd be open to taking over the senior pastor position in such an event, when the contingency plan was set-up 5 years ago, may not feel or desire that role today. Yet, because it wasn't reviewed regularly, or annually, now there's a problem. Or a hundred other countless scenario's. 

What the state of the contingency plans, it's a daunting, necessary and sometimes unpleasant conversation. Both to start and to review.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for the pastors and team that serve alongside the senior pastor of our churches. Pray that God would help those churches who don't have such plans in place, to begin making those preparations, so they will not be caught off guard. Pray that God would direct the conversations, to put the right people and decisions into the process. May they be wise stewards of their time and resources as plans are established. Pray also, for those churches how are prepared. May God continue to give them wisdom as circumstances change and matters are revised.

May the church be prepared for an untimely passing
As they are for the unknown coming of Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC