Church Leadership Pipeline: Why Most Succession Plans Fail (And How to Get Yours Right)
You don’t have to look far to find a church with a failed or fumbled succession plan. A senior leader announces their retirement, the board scrambles to form a search team, the staff starts speculating, and the congregation braces for disruption. Sound familiar?
The truth is, most succession plans fail not because churches don’t care, but because they wait too long to plan, underestimate the complexity, or try to handle it quietly behind closed doors. Churches often confuse loyalty to the current leader with fear of initiating the next chapter. But one of the best ways to honor a leader's legacy is to ensure that the mission continues seamlessly long after they're gone.
So what makes for a successful succession?
Start early. Two to five years is ideal. Succession isn’t a moment in time—it’s a season that requires clarity and runway. Early planning allows space for mentoring, transition overlap, and congregation preparation.
Involve the right people. The outgoing pastor, the board, key staff, and outside advisors all need to be aligned. And alignment doesn’t mean agreement on every decision—it means shared values, healthy trust, and clarity of roles.
Define success. Is the goal a smooth handoff? Protecting culture? Reaching a new generation? Keeping long-time members happy? Knowing the "win" guides every decision. Without a shared definition of success, decision-making becomes reactive and inconsistent.
Communicate clearly and consistently. Silence breeds suspicion. Trust is built through transparency. Even when there isn’t new information, updates reassure people that the process is active, thoughtful, and trustworthy.
Churches that get it right plan early, communicate openly, and focus on legacy, not secrecy. Don’t wait for the calendar to force the conversation. Start now, and honor the past by building a confident future.
Want to know what actually works when it comes to church succession?
We’re launching a brand new podcast, The LeadingSmart Podcast, which kicks off with a 10-week series: Succession: What’s Next for the Church.
Real leaders. Real stories. Real lessons from the trenches of transition.
Whether you're years away from a handoff or staring one in the face, this podcast will help you lead with clarity, courage, and conviction.
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📘 Want to dig deeper? Download our free eBook: Passing The Baton: A Practical Guide to Healthy Pastoral Succession.
