1. We empower next generation leadership when we invite them into our inner circle. When Moses ascended Sinai to receive the two tablets of commandments for the first time, Exodus 24:13 reads, “So Moses and his assistant Joshua set out.” What a thrill it must have been for Joshua to join Moses on a portion of the journey. Then later, as Moses came down from the mountain, Joshua was the first to join him. Thoughtful leaders often give emerging leaders a “backstage pass” to join them in experiencing special ministry moments; moments that will shape them as a leader.
2. We empower next generation leadership when we give them opportunity to lead. In the first mention of Joshua in the Bible, Moses commands him to “Choose some men to go and fight the army of Amalek for us” (Exodus 17:9). Long before the time of succession, Moses recognized the leadership potential in Joshua and allowed him to get some key leadership “wins” under his belt. In doing so, Joshua began gaining the confidence of the people, while also gaining confidence in his own leadership giftings.
3. We empower next generation leadership when we affirm them. After the victory over the army of Amalek, the Lord instructed Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua:” (Exodus 17:14). In doing so, Moses affirmed Joshua privately as a leader. Later, at the time of succession, Moses again affirmed Joshua; this time, publicly: “Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, ‘Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them.” (Deuteronomy 31:7). Private and public affirmation serves to empower next generation leadership.
4. We empower next generation leadership when we allow them to fail forward. John said, “Leaders don’t have to be perfect to be successful.” Numbers 11:26–29 gives the account of two men, Eldad and Medad, who were prophesizing there in the camp. A young man reported this to Moses. Joshua was there when the news was given and protested, “Moses, my master, make them stop!” Moses gently rebuked him, saying, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them all!” Moses didn’t discard Joshua as a leader because he demonstrated a lack of wisdom in this matter. Instead, he used it as a teachable moment. Soon afterward, Moses once again expressed confidence in Joshua by selecting him as one of 12 to spy out the land of Canaan.
5. We empower next generation leadership when we clearly define the win. So many young leaders have no idea what success looks like. They think they are doing a phenomenal job while their senior leaders are disgruntled and disappointed with their performance. Empowering leaders takes time to set goals, define wins, maintain accountability and celebrate victories with young leaders. As Moses’ succession plan was nearing completion, he clearly defined the win for Joshua, saying to the people of Israel, “Joshua will lead you across the river, just as the Lord promised,” and to Joshua himself, “You will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them” (Deuteronomy 31:3, 7). (TIM COALTER)