We are in a third-day moment—a time of transition, elevation, and stepping into the next dimension of what God has called us to.
In 2024, Pastor reminded us that we are all leaders in our own right, according to the call of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Leadership isn’t confined to the pulpit—it’s a kingdom responsibility placed on every believer. The Bible declares that we are Kings and Priests (Revelation 1:6, 1 Peter 2:9), meaning we are called to govern with righteousness and minister before God.
But now, the conversation has shifted. Pastor has been speaking about succession in ministry—about the transition into new leadership, new assignments, and new dimensions of service. But what does that mean for us? How do we, as a congregation, support our under-shepherd, the Angel of this house? And how does all of this fit into New Water Church’s assignment in this new territory?
This is the third day. This is the moment of crossing over. This is the transition into something greater.
The Third Day Is a Day of Transition and Moving Forward
All throughout Scripture, the third day represents breakthrough, resurrection, and divine movement.
• Jesus rose on the third day (Luke 24:7).
• Jonah was released from the belly of the fish on the third day (Jonah 1:17).
• Esther stood before the king on the third day and shifted the course of a nation (Esther 5:1).
The third day isn’t just another day—it’s the moment when everything changes.
For Israel, the third day was the day they stepped into their promise.
✅ Joshua 1:11 – “Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are going to cross this Jordan, to go in to take possession of the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it.”
This is where we are as a church.
We’ve been preparing. We’ve been waiting. Now, it’s time to move.
Succession is about who will step up in this moment of transition.
Succession Is More Than a Passing of the Baton
In this third-day transition, succession isn’t just about a leader stepping aside—it’s about the entire body stepping up.
Think about the transition from Moses to Joshua.
✅ Numbers 27:18-20 – “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him… You shall give him some of your authority, so that all the congregation of the sons of Israel will obey him.’”
This wasn’t just about Joshua taking over—it was about the people being ready to move forward under new leadership.
A transition without movement is stagnation.
A transition demands that the people shift—it’s not just about who leads but who is willing to follow and carry the vision forward.
The Role of the Congregation in the Third-Day Transition
If God is shifting the leadership of this house into a new dimension, what is our role? We are not spectators—we are participants in this move.
1. Honor and Support Leadership
Scripture calls us to honor and uphold spiritual authority because our leaders watch over our souls. This means we don’t just stand by—we stand with our pastors, praying, serving, and engaging in the mission.
✅ Hebrews 13:17 – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account…”
2. Commit to the Vision
The church isn’t built on one person—it’s built on a God-given vision carried by a united people.
Think about David and Solomon. David prepared for the temple, Solomon built it, but the people had to come together to make it happen.
✅ 1 Chronicles 29:9 – “Then the people rejoiced because they had offered so willingly, for they made their offering to the Lord with a whole heart…”
➡ Lesson: If we want to see God move in this house, we must invest in the vision.
3. Step Into Leadership
This transition is about more than one person—it’s about multiplication.
✅ Ephesians 4:11-12 – “And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry…”
➡ Lesson: The success of this house isn’t measured by how many people attend, but by how many people are being equipped and sent out.
Who will rise up to lead? Who will disciple others? Who will carry the mission forward?
The Third Day Is a Call to Elevation
1. Transition Requires Trust
Just as Joshua had to take the mantle from Moses, we must trust God’s process of elevation and succession.
✅ Deuteronomy 31:7-8 – “Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them… The Lord is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you.’”
➡ Lesson: Trust God’s process. This transition is for our elevation, not our downfall.
2. The Third Day Requires Consecration
Before Israel crossed into their promise, they had to prepare themselves.
✅ Joshua 3:5 – “Then Joshua said to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.’”
➡ Lesson: A new level demands a new level of consecration.
Are we prepared for what God is about to do?
3. The Third Day Is About Multiplication
This transition isn’t about maintaining—it’s about expansion.
✅ Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses… to the remotest part of the earth.”
➡ Lesson: The goal isn’t to keep things as they are—it’s to build, grow, and send out.
Final Thought: It’s Time to Step Up
We are crossing over.
We are stepping into new leadership, new levels, and new assignments.
But this isn’t just about our Pastors—it’s about us.
✅ Will you step into your leadership role?
✅ Will you support the vision and prepare for the next season?
✅ Will you embrace the weight of responsibility?
Today’s Declaration:
“Lord, I accept my assignment. I recognize that I am in a third-day moment—a time of transition, elevation, and movement. I will not stay where I was. I will step up, serve, and lead. I commit to supporting the vision, upholding my pastor, and preparing for the next level. Use me to build leaders who build leaders. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
➡ Final Charge: The third day is here. We are not going back. We are not staying still. We are moving forward, stepping up, and building for the next generation.
This is succession. This is kingdom.
This is our moment. Let’s build!
