Passing the Baton
Building a Legacy that Lasts
In the world of business, it’s easy to focus on the immediate — the next sale, the next project, the next deadline. But Kingdom-minded leadership looks further ahead. Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” This inheritance is more than wealth; it’s the passing on of values, wisdom, and a vision for living and working God’s way. I once saw a family business close, not because of a lack of skill or opportunity, but because there was no one prepared to take it over. Years of effort and influence ended in silence. This is why building a legacy requires intentional preparation.
Biblically, the concept of passing the baton is seen in Paul’s relationship with Timothy. Paul didn’t just preach the gospel — he trained Timothy to carry it forward. “And the things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2). In business, mentorship works the same way. It’s not simply about teaching technical skills but about shaping character, instilling biblical integrity, and modeling servant leadership. This kind of legacy doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built through consistent, purposeful investment in others.
Passing the baton also requires humility. In John 3:30, John the Baptist said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Legacy builders understand that the goal is not to be remembered for our own greatness, but to see the work of God continue beyond our involvement. Sometimes this means stepping aside so others can lead, trusting that God will guide them just as He guided us. It also means resisting the urge to control every detail, allowing space for the next leader to bring their own God-given gifts to the work.
At Stones & Shoulders, we believe that a true measure of success is what remains standing after we’re gone. We encourage business owners and leaders to not only think about profit margins but to ask, “Who am I raising up to continue this work?” Legacy is about stewardship — recognizing that our businesses, influence, and opportunities are entrusted to us for a season, and preparing faithfully to hand them off. When we pass the baton with wisdom and blessing, we ensure that the Kingdom impact of our lives doesn’t end with us, but multiplies through generations.
Reflection Questions
Who in your life could you intentionally invest in to carry forward your business or ministry vision?
What values or principles do you most want to pass on to the next generation of leaders?
Are there areas where you need to release control in order to allow others to grow into leadership?
How can you begin documenting, mentoring, or training to ensure your legacy endures?