Dr. Dobson Steps Down as Board Chairman by Motte Brown on 02/27/2009 at 4:08 PM

Focus on the Family founder Dr. James C. Dobson, Ph.D., announced that he is stepping down as board chairman, effective immediately. From the Focus press office,

The board of directors issued this statement: "One of Dr. Dobson's objectives during the last decade has been to help identify the next generation of leadership for the ministry, and to see it established securely before he stepped away from administrative oversight. That purpose has now been fulfilled, and we applaud Dr. Dobson for this concern for the future of the ministry."

Dr. Dobson's other responsibilities at the ministry will not change significantly. He will continue the "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast, and handle other duties as in the past. He will also continue to write the newsletter, sent to 1.6 million people per month. He and Mrs. Dobson are anxious to devote themselves to the joys of grandparenting.

"One of the common errors of founder-presidents," Dr. Dobson said, "is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority. I have wanted not to make that mistake with Focus on the Family, which is why I stepped back, first from the presidential duties six years ago, and now, from board chairmanship. Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do."

Focus on the Family board member Dr. Albert Mohler, addressing 1,000 Focus employees and visitors on the Focus campus, said we're now riding a tsunami that began 32 years earlier with just Dr. Dobson and his wife Shirley. I feel it very personally. My job, God's provision for my family this moment, is inextricably linked to Dr. Dobson's faithfulness to God, talents, and hard work.

And those of you reading this blog, blessed by the ministry of Boundless, are riding the same tsunami. Lord willing, you will be the beneficiaries of the next generation of leadership Dr. Dobson has taken great care to identify for Focus on the Family.

Dr. Dobson Steps Down as Board Chairman by Motte Brown on 02/27/2009 at 4:08 PM

Focus on the Family founder Dr. James C. Dobson, Ph.D., announced that he is stepping down as board chairman, effective immediately. From the Focus press office,

The board of directors issued this statement: "One of Dr. Dobson's objectives during the last decade has been to help identify the next generation of leadership for the ministry, and to see it established securely before he stepped away from administrative oversight. That purpose has now been fulfilled, and we applaud Dr. Dobson for this concern for the future of the ministry."

Dr. Dobson's other responsibilities at the ministry will not change significantly. He will continue the "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast, and handle other duties as in the past. He will also continue to write the newsletter, sent to 1.6 million people per month. He and Mrs. Dobson are anxious to devote themselves to the joys of grandparenting.

"One of the common errors of founder-presidents," Dr. Dobson said, "is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority. I have wanted not to make that mistake with Focus on the Family, which is why I stepped back, first from the presidential duties six years ago, and now, from board chairmanship. Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do."

Focus on the Family board member Dr. Albert Mohler, addressing 1,000 Focus employees and visitors on the Focus campus, said we're now riding a tsunami that began 32 years earlier with just Dr. Dobson and his wife Shirley. I feel it very personally. My job, God's provision for my family this moment, is inextricably linked to Dr. Dobson's faithfulness to God, talents, and hard work.

And those of you reading this blog, blessed by the ministry of Boundless, are riding the same tsunami. Lord willing, you will be the beneficiaries of the next generation of leadership Dr. Dobson has taken great care to identify for Focus on the Family.

Comments

[1. BDB said the following at 4:40 PM on Feb 27:]

1

I didn't realize Dr. Dobson was 72. I guess he deserves to retire eventually, doesn't he? It is true that many organizations - and mega churches - do a very poor job of succession planning, and the organization dies with the founder. I'm glad that Dr. Dobson took leadership responsibility for first training new leaders, then releasing them with authority.

[2. Chiz said the following at 6:54 PM on Feb 27:]

2

I was first exposed to Dr Dobson ministries with the 'Life on the Edge' video series that was shown in my church in England.

They really impacted and revolutionised my walk with God because in those days there wasn't anything in my church that related to me as a young person in Christ. They are still very vivid in my mind today.

Thanks to Dr Dobson for his vision, sacrifice and dedication to God over the years with the ministry.

[3. Casey (the Student Nurse) said the following at 7:11 PM on Feb 27:]

3

Ive definitely experienced the blessing of Focus on the Family and the heed of the call God placed on Dr. Dobson's life. Its very impactful for those of us still wanting to honor God through our relationships with friends and Family.

Matt 25:21

"'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"

I cant wait to see the things that are to come from Dr. Dobson, and Focus on the Family.

[4. Tami said the following at 9:42 PM on Feb 27:]

4

It appears something was in the air... yesterday (Thursday) morning, the thought occurred to me -- how much longer will Dr. Dobson be carrying on in his capacities at FOTF? And then today, I read this. So I have my answer, at least in part :)

God bless his continued ministry and his relationship with his grandchildren. By opting to spend time with them, and by mentoring the next generation of leaders in his organization, he is walking his talk.

[5. Nanette Rogers said the following at 3:30 PM on Mar 1:]

5

Dr. Dobson--
You have been such a blessing to my life and hopefully and prayerfully, I will be a blessing to my family, esp. my son (6y/o)as I try to put God's word into practice. You are so precious to me (and Shirly). I may never meet you in this life, but I can't wait to Thank you for being there in the trenches of life with me (and the joys). I say this with greatful tears streaming. I have been blessed by your son and daughter as well as they have ministered on Focus.
I pray for you, and your family, all the best of God's blessings.
Thank you so much.

[6. Mike Theemling said the following at 1:26 AM on Mar 2:]

6

My concern for FOTF is that like some organizations, their appeal and identification is through a personna more than through the idea he/she articulates.

It's happened before, most recently with Schuller's Hour of Power.

It's good that FOTF Dobson recognizes this, as they no longer have on the front of their website "Focus on the Family with Dr. James Dobson".

Still, I'm sure there are concerns about Focus' future, especially in this economic environment. I'll bet that some tune into and/or donate to Focus primarily based upon Dr. Dobson (or his teaching) himself, but hopefully most will see the value of the organization than just him.

[7. Trisha in AR said the following at 9:00 AM on Mar 2:]

7

If I've ever needed direction or struggled in areas of my life, I've always referred back to Dr. James Dobson's words of wisdom and wholesome advice. His words on marriage, divorce, raising a child, single parenting, etc. are so insightful and embrace the love of Jesus. He is such a blessing!

[8. Matt from DC said the following at 6:57 AM on Mar 3:]

8

Tami,

I wasn't going to mention this until I saw your comment, but now I will. Friday morning I was wondering the same thing and then this morning I heard the announcement from FOTF
broadcast on my local Christian radio station.

I can't wait to see what Dr. Dobson goes on do in the strength of the Lord. I am also eager to see how FOTF continues.

Thanks Boundless crew for serving us by sharing your knowledge and wisdom with a compassionate and caring heart.

[9. Tami said the following at 9:50 AM on Mar 3:]

9

Wow, Matt... how interesting that the Spirit prompted that thought in two of us! Thanks for having the boldness to share that. :) God is mysterious.

[1. BDB said the following at 4:40 PM on Feb 27:]

1

I didn't realize Dr. Dobson was 72. I guess he deserves to retire eventually, doesn't he? It is true that many organizations - and mega churches - do a very poor job of succession planning, and the organization dies with the founder. I'm glad that Dr. Dobson took leadership responsibility for first training new leaders, then releasing them with authority.

[2. Chiz said the following at 6:54 PM on Feb 27:]

2

I was first exposed to Dr Dobson ministries with the 'Life on the Edge' video series that was shown in my church in England.

They really impacted and revolutionised my walk with God because in those days there wasn't anything in my church that related to me as a young person in Christ. They are still very vivid in my mind today.

Thanks to Dr Dobson for his vision, sacrifice and dedication to God over the years with the ministry.

[3. Casey (the Student Nurse) said the following at 7:11 PM on Feb 27:]

3

Ive definitely experienced the blessing of Focus on the Family and the heed of the call God placed on Dr. Dobson's life. Its very impactful for those of us still wanting to honor God through our relationships with friends and Family.

Matt 25:21

"'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"

I cant wait to see the things that are to come from Dr. Dobson, and Focus on the Family.

[4. Tami said the following at 9:42 PM on Feb 27:]

4

It appears something was in the air... yesterday (Thursday) morning, the thought occurred to me -- how much longer will Dr. Dobson be carrying on in his capacities at FOTF? And then today, I read this. So I have my answer, at least in part :)

God bless his continued ministry and his relationship with his grandchildren. By opting to spend time with them, and by mentoring the next generation of leaders in his organization, he is walking his talk.

[5. Nanette Rogers said the following at 3:30 PM on Mar 1:]

5

Dr. Dobson--
You have been such a blessing to my life and hopefully and prayerfully, I will be a blessing to my family, esp. my son (6y/o)as I try to put God's word into practice. You are so precious to me (and Shirly). I may never meet you in this life, but I can't wait to Thank you for being there in the trenches of life with me (and the joys). I say this with greatful tears streaming. I have been blessed by your son and daughter as well as they have ministered on Focus.
I pray for you, and your family, all the best of God's blessings.
Thank you so much.

[6. Mike Theemling said the following at 1:26 AM on Mar 2:]

6

My concern for FOTF is that like some organizations, their appeal and identification is through a personna more than through the idea he/she articulates.

It's happened before, most recently with Schuller's Hour of Power.

It's good that FOTF Dobson recognizes this, as they no longer have on the front of their website "Focus on the Family with Dr. James Dobson".

Still, I'm sure there are concerns about Focus' future, especially in this economic environment. I'll bet that some tune into and/or donate to Focus primarily based upon Dr. Dobson (or his teaching) himself, but hopefully most will see the value of the organization than just him.

[7. Trisha in AR said the following at 9:00 AM on Mar 2:]

7

If I've ever needed direction or struggled in areas of my life, I've always referred back to Dr. James Dobson's words of wisdom and wholesome advice. His words on marriage, divorce, raising a child, single parenting, etc. are so insightful and embrace the love of Jesus. He is such a blessing!

[8. Matt from DC said the following at 6:57 AM on Mar 3:]

8

Tami,

I wasn't going to mention this until I saw your comment, but now I will. Friday morning I was wondering the same thing and then this morning I heard the announcement from FOTF
broadcast on my local Christian radio station.

I can't wait to see what Dr. Dobson goes on do in the strength of the Lord. I am also eager to see how FOTF continues.

Thanks Boundless crew for serving us by sharing your knowledge and wisdom with a compassionate and caring heart.

[9. Tami said the following at 9:50 AM on Mar 3:]

9

Wow, Matt... how interesting that the Spirit prompted that thought in two of us! Thanks for having the boldness to share that. :) God is mysterious.