How to PASS Your BATON to the Next Leader
You must learn the secret of healthy transition if you want to make maximum impact. By Casey Wayne Mills
CASEY WAYNE MILLS attended the IPHC’s Emmanuel College, where he received his A.A. in business and a B.A. in Religion. He went on to obtain his M.A. in Practical Theology from Regent University. In 1992 he became the youth pastor at Bethel Worship Center, an IPHC congregation in Camden, South Carolina. He was installed as senior pastor in 2010. Casey and his wife, Judi, have three children.
Encourage Magazine 4
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he writer of Hebrews uses the imagery of a track and field race to bring encouragement to a church that faced great persecution. In Hebrews 12:1 we see our mandate to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We are encouraged to throw off everything that hinders us and watch out for the sin that can so easily entangle us. And we are reminded that there are those who have already run the race. They are cheering us on. I have always loved watching racing events of all kinds. I love the Olympics, and I love watching my son’s track team run for their school. My favorite running event was always the 4x100 relay. Most track and field events are individual competitions, but this race is a team event. The most exciting moment in the race is when each competitor passes the baton to the next runner to complete his or her portion of the journey. This is not an easy task. If the baton is dropped, the race is over and the team will not be able to cross the finish line in victory. I see an obvious spiritual application here. As church leaders, we are also in a relay race. Our calling is to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives and also to train others who will be able to properly take the baton and continue the race.
