The seeds of the Baton International, Inc. were planted in November 2003 when a group of wise counselors led by Dr. Jeff Myers gathered in Chattanooga, Tennessee to answer one question: “How did Jesus, in three years of earthly ministry, successfully train 12 men to change the world?”

At first, the group turned to the obvious answer—Jesus’ divinity empowered him to do it. But Jesus’ last words to his followers were a command to “go make more disciples.” Jesus expected his disciples to do for others what he did for them.

Almost at once the truth settled on this small group of influential educators and leaders: the key to changing the world is not stadium events or television programs. It’s the life-on-life influence of everyday people committed to living out the truth in every area of life.

The group ran computer models to peer into the future. They realized that by training speakers and coaches who would in turn train others, they could equip one million adults by the year 2015 to pass the baton of leadership to the next generation.

Perhaps not coincidentally, the year 2015 is the “peak” year for retirement for the baby boom generation. It is in that year that the alarming lack of next generation leaders will reach a crisis state.

As they met near the banks of the Tennessee river on that fall day in 2003, the Passing the Baton team decided to not wait until the crisis hits. In faith that “right will make might,” they developed a five step plan for preparing this generation of adults to equip the next generation of leaders.

At the end of that day, Dr. Myers led the team in an emotional passing the baton ceremony, symbolizing the passing of the baton from their generation to his, and from his generation to the next generation.

Passing the Baton began as a project of the Myers Institute for Communication and Leadership, but by 2005 it had taken on a life of its own. Now it exists as its own non-profit corporation, and growth has been rapid. Already in its short existence, the Passing the Baton team has :

·        Addressed 18,000 Christian school teachers at conventions around the U.S.

·        Mobilized 1,000 teachers and church workers to be mentors.

·        Prepared 200 leaders to transform their organizations to focus on leader development.

·        Served 800 Christian schools in the southeast through student leadership programs.

·        Designed leadership curriculum being employed by more than 3,000 groups.

Invitations have also poured in from around the world. In the next few months our team members will be in the Philippines, Greece, Italy, South Africa, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, China and Singapore as well as at dozens of locations in the United States.