Many nations, communities and families have disintegrated because they did not have conscious leadership succession plans in place. When the good leaders died, the generations that took over could not sustain what their fathers left. The key reason being lack of trans-generational leaders.

Trans-generational means “to have an effect on several generations of a family”

-Medical Dictionary

A trans-generational leader therefore is one who leads a group of people or team to fulfil a purpose and achieve defined goals; the impact of which transcends generations.

For a leader to play this trans-generational role, he/she must have integrity- demonstrated by the moral commitment and courage to maintain consistency in what he/she believes, what he/she says and what he/she actually does.

Dwight D. Eisenhower emphasises the importance of Integrity in leadership with his quote,

“The supreme quality for a leader is unquestionably integrity”

Let us consider Timothy’s grandmother Lois. The Scriptures testify of her,

 “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you.” (2 Timothy 1:5)

She is upholding the ancient principles of mentoring shown in Isaiah 28 vs 9-10 (NIV);

 “Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message?

To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast? For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that, a little here, a little there.”

She diligently mentored her daughter, who passed on the values and faith to her grandson, Timothy whom Paul could confidently recommend to lead younger generations. A trans-generational leader indeed, today's generation still learn and benefit from the virtues Lois consciously handed down to her daughter (1 Cor.  4 vs 17; 16 vs 10).

This kind of leadership is what the Lord God expects from us. The Lord Jesus mentored and equipped His disciples with all foundational TRUTHS such that He could openly declare that the disciples would do greater things than He, in their generation.

(John 14 vs 12)

The output of such leadership is long-lived and foundational for the operation of subsequent generations. This can only be achieved by the conscious effort of today’s leaders to mentor and adequately build an understanding between the older generation and the younger ones.

It is said of Abraham,

“For I know him that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement.” (Genesis 18 vs 19)

Thousands of years after the demise of Father Abraham, Christians today still thrive on the faith principles of our father. It is worth mentioning the integrity factor in his leadership as the Lord God commended him, “For I know him…”

The Bible says of Nehemiah, that he had a close relationship with God, a man of integrity, a servant, shepherd and steward leader, who feared the Lord and never took advantage of his people (Nehemiah 5 vs 14-19). He successfully led a war-stricken nation to build their city walls: the sign of protection for generations on end.  His integrity and legacy as a leader enabled him to go boldly before the throne of Grace and request, "Remember me, O my God, for good!" (Nehemiah 13 vs 31; 5 vs 19)

Can the same be said of us as Pastors, Church leaders, Mothers, Fathers, Student leaders?

What legacy are we leaving for tomorrow’s leaders?

Can we profess like the Apostle Paul (in both private and public life), for our followers to imitate us as we imitate Christ?

How well have we mentored them to take over the baton?

Are we worthy of being followed: WHAT IS OUR IDENTITY??

A trans-generational leader totally depends on God. He recognizes God as His source of vision and strength and, has God-inspired motives. He is considerate and temperate in all things, ready to sacrifice the benefits of the present to secure a lasting impact for the future.