Succession Planning

The topic of Succession Planning has come to the forefront of leadership thought and conversation. Today’s churches realize the importance of stewarding a succession planning process that builds on their history, honors its aging leaders, and prepares for the future.

In seasons of transition, most churches simply ask who the next pastor will be, and seek to pass the baton from one leader to another. However, in order for transition to be successful, a church must consider the overall health of the ecosystem in which this transition is occurring. We want  to help equip churches to prepare for these inevitable transitions and reduce the potentially negative impacts upon the churches. This process is based on Barna research and helps churches to implement fundamental principles and strategies that make transitions successful.

This Succession Planning resource will help a church flourish as they prayerfully discern their next step. The process helps a church navigate their season of transition in a healthy, God honoring, Kingdom building way. This is not a “one size fits all” resource but an opportunity for the leadership to seek God and who He is calling to lead the church in the next chapter for a thriving, flourishing ministry.

Continuity Factors

There are 4 continuity factors that help churches review the foundational health of its leadership and its church community. These factors range from finances and governance to the church’s understanding of its unique vision and mission. Churches can and should work on these continuity factors throughout the transition process and, in many cases, even before a transition is being considered.

Process Pathways

This resource looks at three primary pathways that a church can use when looking at succession. There are variations with each process, but these are the main pathways: Intentional Interim, Stop and Go, and Overlap.

Essential Signposts

The leadership considers the essential elements of a transition that a congregation must navigate well to increase the chance of success and minimize pain and disruption. Discussing these topics in advance will greatly enhance your transitional process.