Avoid the Wrong Fit: How a Senior Pastor Profile Protects Your Succession Process

The Senior Pastor Profile: Why You Need One (Before You Talk to Anyone)

When it comes to pastoral succession, most churches skip a critical step: defining what they’re actually looking for in the next leader.

In Episode 9 of The LeadingSmart Podcast, we unpack the importance of building a Senior Pastor Profile—and how it can keep your church aligned, your process objective, and your decision healthy.

Because here’s the truth: If you skip the profile, you’ll make decisions based on preference instead of purpose.

Start With the Role—Not the Person

It’s tempting to start with the people you love—especially internal candidates. But before anyone throws their name in the hat, you need to define the role. What kind of leader does your church actually need in this season?

A strong profile provides clarity and unity. It protects against internal politics. And it helps ensure you’re hiring for the mission, not just for familiarity.

The Four Core Profiles

Most senior pastors are a mix of these four leadership types—but usually one or two stand out:

  • Preacher – Inspires from the stage and communicates with excellence

  • Leader/Visionary – Casts vision and drives the mission forward

  • Shepherd – Cares deeply and walks closely with people

  • Administrator – Brings systems, structure, and organizational health

Clarifying which strengths matter most to your church right now will help you prioritize—and eliminate confusion later.

Define the Non-Negotiables

Not everything in your profile needs to be absolute. That’s why we encourage churches to separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. (You’d be surprised how often a “non-negotiable” dissolves when a great candidate doesn’t meet it.)

We recommend:

  • 3–5 true non-negotiables

  • Flexibility everywhere else

That way, your team can stay focused without being rigid.

Don’t Bend the Profile to Fit a Favorite

It’s easy to build the profile, then toss it aside the minute someone you love seems like a good fit. Resist the urge.

Use the profile to evaluate every candidate fairly—especially internal ones. If someone you care about doesn’t match what you agreed on, you’ll have a clear and kind way to explain why they aren’t the right fit.

One More Tip: Consider a Tool Like Working Genius

We’re big fans of the Working Genius model for understanding leadership style and team dynamics. Running the profile (and candidates) through this kind of assessment helps set clear expectations and gives your church a common language to navigate the transition.

Need Help Writing the Right Profile?

We help churches build clear, aligned, and mission-forward pastor profiles. Whether you’re just starting your succession journey or evaluating internal candidates, we’d love to walk alongside you.

And don’t miss Episode 10, where we close out the season by talking about what happens next: staffing and structure after the handoff.

Coming Soon: Season 2 of the LeadingSmart Podcast

You’ve heard the succession playbook—now we’re switching gears.

In Season 2, Tim Stevens reflects on 40 years in ministry and shares the lessons that shaped his leadership, stretched his faith, and strengthened the churches he served.

Tim and Holly are back behind the mic, breaking down real stories and timeless takeaways—with the honesty and humor you’ve come to expect.

40 Lessons from 40 Years in Ministry—coming soon. Catch the trailer here:

 
 
LeadershipAnna BakerComment