Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken brom you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” (2 Kings 2:9, ESV)

At NCFI, we are looking for ways to encourage the next generation of nurses. Whether through mentoring, fellowship, or networking; the global nursing community is focused on bringing along those nurses entering the profession. As a Christian, there are many biblical examples of older or mature believers reaching out to younger or less experienced Christians. We think of Paul and Timothy (1 & 2 Timothy).

There are Moses and Joshua. I wrote a few devotions on this leadership relationship and the wonderful advice Moses gave his successor.

Another mentoring relationship we may not be as familiar with is Elijah and Elisha. Elijah chose Elisha as his servant (1 Kings 19:19). Elisha accompanied Elijah for six years until it was time for Elijah to go to heaven. Then the time came for Elisha to assume the role of prophet. Elisha asked for a double portion of the Spirit.

The Lord grants Elisha’s requests and we immediately read how Elisha performs greater miracles than Elijah (parting of the waters, doubling of oil, raising the dead, etc).

As we think of the next generations, Elijah’s example can provide us with great insight into how we can create a succession plan.

First, choose someone who will replace you. This may sound hard to believe, but none of us will be in ministry forever. Today is the day you begin praying for your replacement.

Second, have the person work alongside you in ministry. Not just any task, but the tasks that you are currently doing. If you organize meetings, have the person organize meetings. If you write reports, have the person write reports. You get the idea.

Third, finally, plan on giving them a double portion of what you need to perform your ministry duties. Like Elijah, we can’t dispense the Spirit to others, but we can pray for them. We can give them more than we have had for ministry, such as more training, hours, and resources. Thus ensuring they would become more successful than we were.