7 Signs It’s Time to Talk About Pastoral Succession
Why Every Church Should Be Talking About Pastoral Succession—Now
Let’s face it—pastoral succession isn’t exactly coffee table conversation. For many churches, it’s a delayed or emotionally charged topic. But if you wait too long, the cost can be high: lost momentum, missed opportunities, and frustrated staff and congregants.
At LeadingSmart, we're devoting this 10-week podcast season to unpacking pastoral succession. In Episode 2, we dig into a crucial question: "When is the right time to start talking about succession?"
Spoiler alert: It's sooner than you think.
7 Signs It Might Be Time
Here’s a quick-hit version of the seven indicators discussed in this week’s podcast.
1. Your Church Is Plateauing or Declining
A plateau or decline doesn’t mean failure—it may just mean the current vision has run its course.
“It could mean that it's time for a new leader—some infusion of new vision, some infusion of new leadership.”
Leaders should regularly assess whether the church’s current momentum is tied to—or hindered by—the current leadership structure.
2. The Congregation Is Aging
Pastors often attract people within a 10-year age range of themselves. As they age, so does the congregation.
“You could just see—about every year—the congregation aged about a year.”
(Referencing long-term data at Willow Creek)
A shift in age demographics can affect growth, relevance, and outreach. Recognizing this trend early allows leaders to act before it becomes a barrier.
3. The Pastor's Energy or Passion Is Fading
Loss of energy or passion isn’t a failure—it's human. And sometimes, it’s a sign.
“If that's true about you... you don't want to cheat the church. You don't want to cheat the people.”
When the spark fades, the congregation often notices before the pastor does.
4. Staff Turnover Is Accelerating
Recurring staff turnover, especially among high performers, is a red flag.
“If you're seeing a lot of turnover of some of your key, quality, higher-level staff... there's probably something about your leadership.”
Staff departures may reflect deeper issues—misalignment, unclear vision, or lack of trust in future direction.
5. The Pastor Is Passionate About Something Else
It’s healthy for leaders to have other dreams. But when those passions outweigh commitment to the church, it’s time to take notice.
“You find yourself getting more excited working on this side thing... than you are about the church.”
This is a gift, not a threat—if stewarded well. It may be the perfect moment to begin planning the next chapter.
6. A Strong Successor Is Already on Staff
Having a talented leader ready is a blessing—but waiting too long might cost you.
“If you're 62 or 63 and you know transition is probably in the next 10 years... and you have someone now? It's something to really think through.”
Humble leaders don’t fear succession—they invest in it.
PS. Episode 4 is all about the pros and cons of an internal successor. Subscribe to the podcast now, so you don’t miss it.
7. Age of the Pastor
There’s no magic number, but age is still a real consideration.
“I was 69 and I just... felt like by the time I'm 70, someone else needs to be leading this church.”
(Pastor in Atlanta]
This isn’t about ageism—it’s about acknowledging when your influence needs to evolve for the good of the mission.
The Most Important Reason? You're Not Immortal.
I love the line from this episode:
“Every pastor is an interim pastor.”
Succession planning isn’t optional. It's a stewardship responsibility. Whether you're one week or 20 years into your role, it's never too early to begin the conversation.
Next Steps
Need coaching for your senior leader team? SmartSuccession consulting will ensure that you walk away with a succession plan that you can execute with integrity and confidence. Reach out to our team to start the conversation.
And don’t miss Episode 3 next week, where we dive into the Senior Pastor’s personal journey through transition—a vulnerable but critical component to a healthy succession plan. Subscribe to the podcast to be the first to know when the episode drops.