When Pastors Leave

We can talk about whether megachurch pastors are creating a unique problem or whether this is a common problem, but the transition from a pastor to a new one — especially if the leaving pastor has been there for a long, long time — is often not simple. One of America’s more astute observers of such matters, Skye Jethani, seems to have a radar out on this one, and we’ve chatted about the problem of transition.

That is why Bob Russell’s new book, Transition Plan: 7 Secrets Every Leader Needs to Know, is an important one. I know of no other books like this. It is a short book but about as transparent as it gets; and it doesn’t waste time with extensive theologizing or text-proofing — it gets to the heart of the issues and the facts and states them and moves on.

Questions: What have you learned about transitions? What about megachurch pastor transitions?

Let me give a clipped version of his seven points, but there’s more than this in this book:

1. An intentional plan is better.
2. Character is more important than timing or strategy.
3. Two years of mentoring and transitioning is adequate.
4. The departing leaders should initiate the transition plan.
5. The organization needs to develop a generous compensation package.
6. The successor should share the same values, but not necessarily style or temperament.
7. A wise successor will practice patience and restraint in implementing change.