May
29
2012
Piper and Meyer Talk Succession for the First Time
When Jason Meyer became the official candidate to succeed John Piper at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Piper didn't talk to him about the transition. Piper wanted the congregation to see the uncoached and unfiltered Meyer, who responded to early inquiries saying he didn't want the comparison to Piper and complexity of leading Bethlehem. Still, he didn't say no to the calling.
In this interview with Justin Taylor, Meyer and Piper talk together in public about the Bethlehem succession for the first time, just days after more than 99 percent of the church supported Meyer's candidacy. Piper and Meyer explain why they avoided public talk about their impressions from the Lord about the transition and how they sought strong affirmation from leaders and members without wielding a strong arm over the decision. Meyer also explains how he changed his mind about leading Bethlehem when God promised more of himself in the process. Finally, Piper and Meyer close with counsel from God's Word and their experience for leaders in transition.
20 Comments
[...] Colin Hansen) Share [...]
[...] HT: Collin Hansen [...]
This is all very wise. Meyer seems like the right man for the job and Piper seems to have a lot of confidence in the Lord's choice of him. I hope God continues to bless them both and the people they serve at Bethlehem over the coming transitional months and years.
[...] Hansen at the Gospel Coalition writes: In this interview with Justin Taylor, Meyer and Piper talk together in public about the Bethlehem [...]
Thank you for making this available. What a great display of submission to the Lord of the Church! I am reminded of Spurgeon's words about the servants of our Lord: "There was not among the twelve or the seventy one person of any social status. They were the common people of the field and the sea. . . . The grandest era in the world’s history was ushered in by nobodies, by persons who, like their Leader, were despised and rejected of men.” (Charles Haddon Spurgeon).
[...] this video posted at The Gospel Coalition where John Piper and Jason Meyer talk about their plan for pastoral [...]
As a Religion major and minister-hopeful at a Baptist college in 2006, I was "crashing and burning" amidst some fairly Bible-belittling classes and culture. Jason Meyer's 3 credit course "Introduction to Sermon Preparation" was the means that God used to change and renew the course of my life forever. I hope, by God's grace, I can shake his hand once again and tell him what his influence has meant in my life and how much I know he's the man for the job.
I love you Jason. You were better than a brother to me.
[...] Hansen at the Gospel Coalition writes: In this interview with Justin Taylor, Meyer and Piper talk together in public about the Bethlehem [...]
[...] Piper and Meyer Talk Succession for the First Time — The way Bethlehem Baptist Church has implemented this succession plan to transition from John Piper’s pastorship to Jason Meyer’s is a great encouragement! [...]
Some MASSIVE shoes Pastor Meyers would be filling...
[...] more, see Piper and Meyer Talk Succession for the First Time. Posted in Big Picture Posts, Links | Leave a [...]
I found this phenominally encouraging. I'll be praying for Jason. I can't imagine the pressure of being John Piper's successor.
[...] was the guy saying ‘who would want that?’” he said in an interview featured on The Gospel Coalition. “Who would want the [...]
[...] was the guy saying ‘who would want that?’” he said in an interview featured on The Gospel Coalition. “Who would want the [...]
[...] was the guy saying ‘who would want that?’” he said in an interview featured on The Gospel Coalition. “Who would want the [...]
Thanks for posting! This is a great piece, if for nothing else (though there are cool insights here) than to hear another affirmation of God's sovereignty in everything, and the comfort AND excitement found there.
Hi Collin, I'm interested in reading your article on the Gospel Coalition website about succession planning which I believe you wrote in July. Can you point me to that or send it to me?
Thanks so much,
Gary Griffith
Gladly! Here you are, Gary.
[...] Gospel Coalition - Piper and Meyer talk about succession for the first time [...]
[...] (HT: Colin Hansen) Denny Burk May 30, 2012 Tweet [...]