Succession
Pastoral transitions don't have to just happen. We know how to reduce the anxiety and risks that come with pastoral transitions and help leaders take intentional steps forward.
Plan Your Succession
Healthy transitions are possible
Thinking about your transition doesn't have to be scary! Healthy and successful successions are possible through prayer and intentional planning.
We create customized plans
Every senior leader transition has a sizable impact on the mission, vision, and values of a church. We work with you to create a tailored succession plan that minimizes transitional risks, reduces organizational anxiety, and maximizes the potential for missional continuity, organizational stability, and church health.
Our Succession Services
Planning With A Greater Purpose
01
Crisis Transition Planning
Need immediate assistance navigating your next steps after losing a senior leader? Give us a call. We can assist you in moving forward thoughtfully.
02
Succession Planning + Search
We offer a 6 Phase Process that includes succession consulting and our executive search package. We will teach you key transition principles, processes, and help you take the necessary steps to ensure a great transition.
03
Long-Term Succession Planning
We encourage all pastors and churches to create a Long-Term Succession Plan. The longer the off-ramp and on-ramp are, the better the results will be. We will walk you through a 3 Phase Planning Process that will help you prepare for the future, whether it is 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years away. The research is clear, the earlier you start planning for the future the better the transition will go! Do not wait until its too late. Start planning today!
Our
Process
We Have Done The Research
In our research, we have discovered that there are key people, processes, and timeframes to successful succession. We have worked with senior leaders transitioning after 40 consecutive years of ministry, as well as those who have been in the role for just a few. We understand that there are certain factors that make every succession unique!
Every Leadership Transition Is Unique
Many churches approach pastoral succession as a “one size fits all” exercise, but that assumes all leader transitions are similar in nature. The reality is that different leadership tenures require different approaches. We know how to assess, plan, and guide you through a successful process with clarity and confidence.
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What Are Your Succession Options?
• Develop an internal candidate over a few months or years
• Hire an external candidate and plan out multiple knowledge transfers (KTs)
• Hire an external candidate for an overlap transition
• A planned interim pastor and candidate search
• An intentional transition to a reduced role on staff and candidate search
How Much Time Do You Have Left?
Most consultants and researches say that the average tenure of an ordained minister is between 3-6 years. That's not a lot of time! The average tenure of a senior pastor is around 8-9 years, which makes succession planning essential for every church. The old adage that the only things that are sure in life are death and taxes, is true, but we make one addition, pastoral transitions. Unless the Lord returns or a church closes its doors, transitions are inevitable. Instead of dreading the inevitable, contact us, and let us help you develop a plan that honors your legacy and builds a bridge towards the next generation.
Who Should Begin The Conversation?
Succession conversations go great when the leader who is going to transition, begins the conversation. It removes the awkwardness out of the equation and creates an open space to discuss the future in a psychologically safe environment. The second best option is a trusted friend of the leader, which could be an elder, board member, or key staff member.
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When Should You Begin The Conversation?
Now. We often work with churches who are just beginning to think about their future, and the best time to take the next step is when you are thinking about it. We understand that it can be a sensitive subject to discuss and we are here to help you through that.