“Who’s the next you?” deserves an answer

Years ago our co-founder Krisitn coined the cliche’ Who’s the Next You? We put that on our social media, we printed it on a coaster, and onto a sticker. It weasled its way into coaching, and materials and eventually became a title of our most recent book. I love it.

Every leader in ministry eventually faces the same question: “Who’s the next you?” It’s a simple question — but it should stop us in our tracks because it demands an actual answer. Because if we don’t have a real answer, then we don’t have a name, and we might not have a plan.

Here’s why that question can’t stay hypothetical:

1. You Can’t Develop Who You Haven’t Identified

Without a name, you’re not developing a leader; you’re just hoping one appears. The best leadership pipelines don’t start with a class or a conference. They start with a conversation. A real name grounds your leadership development in a real relationship. It gives you someone to encourage, coach, correct, and walk alongside in the trenches. Without a name, your “next you” is just a nice idea with no direction.

2. Jesus Always Called People by Name

Leadership isn’t just a principle — it’s a pattern. And the best model we have is Jesus. He didn’t say, “I need some people to carry the Gospel.” He said, “Peter, follow me.” He called names. He knew them, invited them, and invested in them. So did Paul. So did the person who called you into ministry.

Calling matters because it reflects the incarnational nature of leadership. Leadership development isn’t scalable; it’s personal.

3. Legacy Requires Intentionality

If you want to leave a legacy, you have to start by living intentionally. That means putting names on paper. That means making space for coaching and correction. That means choosing someone to receive what God has built in you. Your future isn’t just about your ministry — it’s about the people you’re preparing to carry it forward. It begins with an “I see this in you” kind of conversation.

4. The Church Can’t Afford to Wait

Seems lke we’ve been living the Plan B for leadership development the last 50 years and where has that gotten us? Seems like we all know that it will rise or fall on whether we pass the baton personally, intentionally, and by name. The next generation of leaders is already here. They’re watching you. They’re waiting for you to say their name.

In my 15 years on this topic, it seems to get more difficult every year. This will take intentionality like never before. We’re living this cultural moment together and we know we need a pipeline of leaders like never before.

So… who’s the next you? And can you say their name out loud?

If not, you’ve got work to do. And we’re here to help.

Let’s set up a call soon to talk about first steps.