Success in Succession: It’s Time to Pass the Baton

It’s time to let go of the baton. For those of you in the same season, release it from your hand to the other runner, your successor. You can do it. I know you can and I also know that it is a challenging time for you. I’m still personally experiencing the challenge. However, I continue to have confidence in the plan, including how we identify successors and the commitment to communicate to all involved key stakeholders. In particular, I have confidence in those who have been identified and selected as my successors.

So what’s the struggle for those in the season of letting go?

Well truthfully, it’s me and it’s you. We have fully embraced the truth that our final lap is done and we did our best. So let go, in faith, and know that God is in control. He is proud of us both as we release all that He has helped us to accomplish into the hands of our successors. Thank you, Jesus.

Let me also reiterate the importance of respect and honor. Your successors honor those who have gone before them, and those who are passing the batons respect the ones who are following them. Cheer them on in front of others and do not question their methods. They must run their leg of the race their way and in their own faith. Remember the statement by Bruce Miller “Leadership is more like a baton than a trophy. You can keep a trophy, but you hand off a baton.”

I am stepping into a new role of Executive Chairman of the Board for both Teen Challenge Southeast Region and Global Teen Challenge, and will continue to do all I can to put hope in reach of every addict! I believe in this prophetic utterance given to Teen Challenge. The great commission confirms that we are on the right path as we endeavor to do all we can to reach hurting individuals.

Know that I will be working with many of our major donors around the world to help us bring resources toward funding this mission. I believe in spending time imparting what God has put in my heart to younger leaders and I also want to partner with senior Teen Challenge leaders to provide events where this can happen. Each of the 9 global regions have incredible leaders we want to invest in.

For Libby and I, the privilege and honor have been ours to serve Teen Challenge for the last 31 years. We are TC lifers and will die loving Teen Challenge and doing what we can to put hope within reach of those desperate to experience the love of Christ.

God bless each and every one of you,

Jerry Nance PhD
Executive Chairman of the Board
Global Teen Challenge

Brice Maddock
Teen Challenge Southeast Region

Many of you have heard the expression, “Standing on the shoulders of giants.” Those of you who know Jerry, understand well that anyone who follows him, in any role, is doing exactly this. With Jerry’s passing the baton to me to steward the Southeast Region, he has invited me to freely use the knowledge, wisdom, momentum, and vision that has marked his tenure. I appreciate Jerry’s intentionality and his trust in God during this process. His trust, encouragement, and friendship as he passed the baton has made the receiving both seamless and smooth… and has set the region up to win!

Steve Trader
GTC President/CEO

I have counted it an honor and privilege to run alongside Jerry and step into this role. I have been blessed to lead in a number of industries and ministries, and rarely have I seen succession planning modeled so clearly and effectively. I am confident that, with God’s strength and the Teen Challenge family’s strength around the world, I am ready to run my portion of the race!