Please don’t pass the baton

I’ve been thinking about an analogy that Christian leaders like to use.

We often talk about passing the baton. Like in a relay race. I’ve heard (and preached) sermons on it, seen videos specifically designed for the illustration, read books about how to pass the baton better, and even been a part of baton passing ceremonies.

The idea is usually about handing off leadership to the next generation.

But increasingly I have a couple of challenges with the metaphor…

1. It implies that we do leadership all alone. In other words I’ll carry the responsibility or authority for something until it’s time to give it to somebody else.

2. It implies that once I hand off leadership, I’m going to sit on the sidelines and see how the next person does with what I give them—secretly hoping that they don’t drop the baton.

Yes, someone is ultimately in charge, and eventually that authority must be passed on. But when I consider how Christian leadership works, I prefer to picture something semenax in stores like a football team:

In football, though there are leaders (a quarterback, for instance) many people must play together to win.

Though individual accomplishment is important, rarely is the game completely won or lost on one person’s shoulders (though there are game-making, and game-destroying, plays).

And, there is a bench. Multiple players of the same position will play on the same team and learn the same plays so when a first string player gets traded or retires, there are one or two others who can quickly take his place.

This generation better understands leadership as a community, not as a singularity. I don’t want to hold onto my turn as long as I can and then attempt to successfully pass it off, I want to invite others into a community with me. Then, when it’s time to exit the field, I can know that there is not only someone to take my place but a whole team that is used to working in concert to win together.