Staffing & Structure After Succession: How to Finish the Transition Well
You’ve made the announcement. The handoff has happened. The new senior pastor is in place.
Now what?
In Episode 10, the finale of The LeadingSmart Podcast, we wrap up our season on pastoral succession by tackling a question many churches overlook: what needs to change in your staffing and structure after the baton has been passed?
Because succession isn’t just about finding the next leader—it’s about helping them lead well.
The Structure That Got You Here May Not Get You There
Your outgoing pastor may have thrived with a large number of direct reports or led staff meetings a certain way. But your new leader is wired differently. They may need fewer reports, a stronger executive pastor, or a team that complements their unique strengths.
Instead of forcing a square peg into a round org chart, build from a blank slate:
What roles are essential to support the new pastor’s leadership?
What structure aligns best with your church’s future strategy?
What adjustments need to be made to help your team thrive—not just survive?
Culture Doesn’t Pause During Transition
Healthy culture doesn’t happen by accident. And it certainly doesn’t wait politely while you’re focused on other things.
The truth is, team health is either getting better or getting worse. There is no neutral.
Use this season of transition to recommit to staff clarity, alignment, and engagement. And remember—new leadership often means culture will shift. That’s not bad. It’s natural. The key is to name it, shape it, and lead it with intentionality.
Need tangible ideas on how you can address your culture without spending a dime? Download our free Culture Matters eBook to get started.
Expect Turnover—and Plan for It
In healthy transitions, staff turnover of around 20% is common. People may opt out because of the change, or discover they were more connected to the previous leader than the mission. That’s okay.
Give your team time to adjust, but don’t avoid the hard conversations. In time, you want every person on your staff to be able to say, “I’m here—and I’m in.”
One Final Tool: Start with Structure, Then Fill the Seats
Before deciding who goes where, design the structure your church needs. Sketch out the roles and responsibilities first—then evaluate who fits.
And if you need help evaluating your team, we love using the “4-Box Exercise,” based on performance and cultural fit. It’s a powerful way to clarify your next steps for each person on your team. (We walk through it at the end of Episode 10.)
This Isn’t the End—It’s Just the Beginning
That’s a wrap on Season 1 of The LeadingSmart Podcast. We’ve loved walking with you through the succession process—and we’re not done yet.
Season 2 drops July 29, and it’s a special one. We’re calling it:🎙 40 Lessons from 40 Years in Ministry
Tim Stevens looks back on four decades of leadership—sharing the lessons, regrets, and truths that stuck. Holly Tate returns as co-host, helping unpack each insight for today’s leaders.
Subscribe now so you don’t miss Episode 1 when it drops on July 29!