How to Handle Transition in Christian Leadership

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. — Joshua 1:5

Transitions in life can be challenging, specifically in organizational leadership. Transition affects every aspect of an organization. The changes within the company usually affect the people who must adjust and adapt to succession and possibly restructuring, if they choose to stay with the company.

Introduction

In this article, my focus is on religious organizations and on how to handle transition in leadership succession because of the death of a leader. A biblical example is the installation of Joshua as leader after Moses’ death.

After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses, my servant, is dead. Now then, you and all these people get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses (Joshua 1:1-3 NIV).

The Emotional Impact of Transition

Joshua had served Moses faithfully. The text in verses 4-9 of chapter 1, God assures Joshua concerning his responsibility. He addresses his emotional concerns and reminds him of His promise to Moses. He also ensures Joshua of a successful outcome because HE will be with him as He was with Moses (Joshua 1:5). God understands how new leadership roles affect us.

Feeling abandon is a real-life experience after the death of the leader you have worked closely with for many years. Discouragement becomes an aspect when leading God’s people. After being attached to a leader and their leadership style, feeling inadequate is another concern. Therefore, the Lord assured Joshua of his success because He would be with him. My personal experience gives insight into how Joshua may have felt after Moses’ death.

The Reality of Leadership Transition

It was indeed a time of transition that would change the course of their journey to the Promised Land. God had appointed this time to move His people after forty years of wilderness wanderings to possess their inheritance. This transition came because of the promise God made to Abraham years prior. (Ref. Genesis 12:1-7; 15:1-7; 17:1-8). Not only would this be a geographical move, but it would also require psychological change for Joshua and the people.

Are you in transition? Is it time to possess your promise? 

If we are honest, we don’t always like the way God brings His purposes and promises to pass. Usually, transition is uncomfortable and puts us in an unsettling position. Our disappointment and disagreement often fuel our opinions and complaints about the change. If we are really on the Lord’s side, we must exercise another level of faith and trust in the sovereignty of God.

The reality of transition should cause all involved three (3) things:

• Positioning oneself in God’s presence to hear His voice for clear directions.

  Hearing the voice of the Lord is extremely critical during times of transition. We are more vulnerable emotionally and susceptible to demonic assaults on the mind. The adversary hurls fiery darts as defeating thoughts and feelings of rejection, abandonment, discouragement, and the list can go on and on. When death occurs, it thrusts us into a time of transition that can be overwhelming emotionally. It is easier to lose focus on God’s perspective in transition. We spend too much time reflecting on the process and analyzing the details surrounding every aspect of this whirlwind of change. We risk getting stuck in the present, worrying and being fearful about the future instead of trusting God to move us forward.

• Respond positively to the transition with confidence that God’s purposes shall prevail.

  Avoid carnal (fleshly responses such as negative opinions, and gossip. Anytime God’s people (Christians) respond carnally to spiritual matters such as Kingdom assignments and leadership transition in Christ’s church, it is evidence of a carnal mindset, not discerning spiritual matters. Whether we understand God’s plan and purpose, disagree or dislike the way God sanctioned the transition, we must be careful how we react and respond. We must always remember, God sees all and knows all. Nothing is hidden from Him and He will deal with matters concerning His Church (Body) His way and in His timing. (Ref. Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18)

• Submit and be faithful to leadership as unto the Lord.

  We have no control over the will of another person. We only have control over our attitude and actions. Everyone is accountable to God, especially those in leadership positions. Personally, we must always do what is right, be prayerful, and respect leadership transition.

Level of Responsibility and Accountability

Again, consider the leadership transition of Moses to Joshua. Assisting the leader is one thing, but being the leader raises the level of responsibility and accountability to God. Although Joshua had been there with Moses as his assistant, he did not have to make any decisions. Moses had always been the one; he was the leader chosen by God. It was Moses who gave instructions from God— “said what God said.” Moses had dealt with the rebellious, stiff-necked people. He had been the object of their complaints and murmuring because they had become comfortable being in bondage and wanted to return. Moses had been the one to intercede on their behalf when God wanted to kill them all (Exodus 32:7-14).

Now, everything that Joshua saw Moses dealt with as the leader he would inherit. Would it be any easier for Joshua than for Moses? After all, this was the second generation (Joshua 5:4). They did not have the “bondage” mindset; they had a “wilderness” mindset. This second generation hadn’t experienced the miraculous deliverance from Egypt. They had not walked across the Red Sea on dry land. They had not witnessed the power of Moses’ rod. Do you think it was easier for Joshua to lead this generation as Moses’ successor? No. It was not any easier.

The Challenge of Positional Transition

Although it was another generation, the sinful nature of humanity remains in opposition to God’s law, then and now. Man’s disobedience to God will always make leading people challenging (Joshua 7:1-11). There are good times and difficult times. The challenge of transition in leadership affects not only the leader but also the people. They must adjust to a new leader and leadership style. Joshua had been faithful in assisting Moses. He had been prepared to lead the Israelites, and assumed his leadership role at 80 years young.  What we must remember is that transition is always about God’s plan, purpose, and promise.  Joshua’s assignment is clearly stated, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.”(Joshua 1:2)

Trust God’s Strategy in Transition

God understands how transition can affect us mentally and emotionally.  He assured Joshua of His presence, protection, and plan that guaranteed his success (Joshua 1:3-9). Not only did God assure Joshua of being an effective leader, He also established him as His choice to lead before the people. This is important in times of transition. It validates and affirms the new leader as God’s chosen (Joshua 3:7). Since it was a time of transition, there would be a new strategy for accomplishing what God purposed and assigned to Joshua. Although God made the promise to Abraham, the strategy for possessing the promise would be different—the transition resulted in a time of conquest. Israel would have to fight to obtain the promise.

Often, transition involves conflict to move you from the place of familiarity and comfort to another place where God’s plan, purpose, and promises are waiting for you. Transition requires a “faith fight.” And I am convinced that an “uncommon” faith is a required in these times. Thankfully, the good news is that you have the assurance of God’s protection and presence — “I will not fail you or abandon you” (Joshua 1:5c NLT).

Are you in transition? Is it time to possess your promise? 

Conclusion

Although feeling abandon is a real-life experience after the death of the leader you have assisted in ministry or been under their leadership for many years, the assurance of God’s presence in transitions can be peaceful. However, we must make sure we obey God’s instructions, honor, and respect leadership to reap the rewards. We may not understand or like changes in leadership and all it may involve, but Kingdom-minded people what is most important is the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose.

© 2019, 2023, Queen E. Phillips