Most people know LeadingSmart for coaching, succession planning, and executive pastor gatherings—but few know about our highest level of support: Strategic Advising. Strategic Advising is a long-term partnership model where we embed in your leadership rhythms, join key meetings, and serve as trusted thought partners. It’s deeper than coaching or consulting—designed for the complexity senior church leaders face today. Learn more.
Read MoreThe emotional side of succession planning is often the most overlooked—and the most vulnerable. In this LeadingSmart Podcast episode, we share what we’ve seen pastors and families go through, and 3 ways to prepare for successful pastoral succession.
Read MoreDiscover seven key signs that your church should begin the conversation about pastoral succession. From staff turnover to passion shifts, this guide will help you discern the right timing. Tune into episode 2 of The LeadingSmart Podcast for more insight into answering the crucial question: "When is the right time to start talking about succession?"
Read MoreMost churches don’t have a culture problem. They have a clarity problem. Team culture isn’t created by a clever slogan, an annual retreat, or a ping-pong table in the fellowship hall. It’s built through dozens of daily decisions, often unseen, but deeply felt. Here are 4 tips on how to build a culture that lasts.
Read MoreWelcome to Episode 1 of The LeadingSmart Podcast. We're kicking off our inaugural season with a timely and critical topic: pastoral succession. Pastoral succession is often delayed or avoided. Discover why churches must plan ahead—and how to avoid four major myths that can derail healthy transitions.
Read MoreMost succession plans fail not because churches don’t care, but because they wait too long to plan. One of the best ways to honor a leader's legacy is to ensure that the mission continues seamlessly long after they're gone. Here are 4 steps to a successful succession.
Read MoreThe Executive Pastor is the bridge between vision and execution. Get this hire wrong, and your team will flounder. But get it right, and your Lead Pastor can soar. And so can your church. Here’s your guide to hiring the right XP for your church.
Read MoreChurch boards are vital. But when they step too far into day-to-day operations, things can go sideways. Staff feel micromanaged. Decisions get delayed. Trust begins to erode. And soon, you have a ministry team that is stuck waiting for approvals instead of moving forward in faith. Here’s how to fix it.
Read MoreAuthority is the ability to make decisions without asking someone else’s permission. So often we give a leader responsibility without also giving him the authority. Their job is clear--but for just about every decision, they must get approval from their boss, or accounting for every expense, or HR for simple personnel approvals. Or, they actually have the authority to make all those decisions, at least on paper. But in reality, they know you are going to swoop in and make changes.
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