What Does Transition Look Like?

I love this photo from our recent Prayer Days. It illustrates what BBI’s leadership transition involves… mutual respect, closeness, and prayer.

Last month, BBI invited 72 pastors and leaders of mercy ministries to come together for prayer, encouragement, inspiration, and friendship. During Prayer Days we told everyone about our leadership transition. Beginning June 1, 2023, Natalie Meeks (right) will assume the role of BBI President. I will step down to the role of President Emeritus. Also on June 1, Pastor Josh Masters (left) will become BBI’s Executive Director, essentially the right hand of Natalie. Also, BBI’s Oregon offices will be moved to Greenville, South Carolina.

At Prayer Days the three of us shared speaking and leading responsibilities. The responses of the participants were enthusiastic and supportive. Numerous special prayers were offered for the three of us, for each other as ministry leaders, and for our entire BBI team. I was glad that so many from our team were able to participate.

Every transition implies change. BBI is changing, but not everything. We have a new President and a new Executive Director. I am sure that their leadership will bring about some changes in vision and priorities.

My role is changing. I have been used to being the team captain, leading and playing in most every game. Now I will be more like a player/coach. Though playing less, I will maintain some responsibilities with BBI, under Natalie’s leadership. For example, I will continue to lead BBI’s Imago Dei Ministry to Artists. But my main role will be to encourage, cheer, and continue cultivating relationships with BBI’s family of supporters, churches, and foundations. In other words, I will help as well as I can for as long as I can.

In order for this transition to flourish we need every friend of BBI to continue supporting the ministry with monthly gifts and/or special gifts. So far when I have conversed with many of our supporters they have enthusiastically agreed to continue, even increase their giving. Many have already met Natalie and are thrilled with her as a person and optimistic about BBI under her leadership.

Because funding the transition is so important a couple of our faithful friends have agreed to provide a matching grant up to $30,000. It is my hope that our BBI donors will give this entire amount to put us in a strong place as summer ministries begin and to help our transition.

To read more about BBI’s leadership transition, click here: Passing the Torch

To read more about Prayer Days, click here: Prayer Days 2023