What Pastors Get Wrong About Succession—And How to Get It Right
Why We're Talking About Succession—Right Now
Welcome to our breakdown of Episode 1 of The LeadingSmart Podcast! We're kicking off our inaugural season with a timely and critical topic: pastoral succession. Why? Because the question isn’t if you’ll experience a leadership transition—it’s when.
“Every pastor is going to have a succession. They may plan it, they may not.”
You may be decades into your ministry or just getting started. Either way, this episode explores why succession conversations must start early—before you're ready, and before you're forced into it.
Whether you tuned in for Episode 1 or are just here for the SparkNotes, we're breaking down the most critical pieces of the conversation—so you can save them for when the timing is right, or share them with your leadership team today.
Emergency vs. Planned Succession: Know the Difference
Succession planning isn’t just for retirement. Life happens. Tragedies happen. Health issues, burnout, or even death can thrust a church into crisis mode.
“He was a runner, marathon runner... just dropped dead. He’s 48 years old. That church was immediately forced into the succession conversation.”
Having a succession plan—even a basic one—should be a non-negotiable part of your leadership strategy. Even on your first week as senior pastor, you should have an emergency succession plan in place.
When Should the Conversation Start?
This question comes up often: “How early is too early to talk about succession?” The answer?
“There’s never a too early. You can’t start too early.”
Even at churches like Willow Creek, Senior Pastor Dave Dummitt and I began succession conversations in week one—not to plan a departure, but to acknowledge the inevitable and steward the future.
The intentional planning phase typically happens 1 to 4 years out, but laying the foundation early is wise leadership.
4 Common Misconceptions About Pastoral Succession
Let’s clear the air. Many pastors delay succession planning based on assumptions that aren’t always true. Here are four big ones:
1. “I’ll Wait Until I’m Ready to Retire.”
Retirement is just one kind of transition. Many pastors step into new callings, nonprofits, coaching, or family seasons—not just the golf course.
“Succession isn’t necessarily about retirement. It’s a transition.”
2. “I’ll Know When It’s Time.”
We all like to think we're self-aware. But discerning the right time is often more of a journey, involving input from your spouse, board, and trusted advisors.
“You won’t necessarily wake up one day and think, ‘It’s time.’”
3. “I’ll Wait Until I Have the Right Successor.”
Waiting for “the one” can leave you stranded when that leader moves on. The right successor may come and go before you’re ready unless you’re proactively planning.
“A lot of pastors will wait until they have that person… and then they’re gone.”
4. “Talking About Succession Means I’m Weak or Done.”
Some pastors fear that bringing it up signals they're quitting or invites the board to push them out.
“Even if they appear secure, every leader carries some insecurity.”
Creating space for the conversation doesn’t make you vulnerable—it makes you a steward of your church’s mission.
Why Succession Is So Emotionally Hard
Pastors aren’t just employees—they’re often founders, visionaries, shepherds. That emotional investment makes transitions difficult.
“They give their life to something… and they don’t know how hard it’s going to be.”
The uncoupling of identity, purpose, and platform is a deeply spiritual and emotional process. It's not just about stepping aside—it's about surrendering something you've poured your whole life into.
That’s why succession isn’t just a strategic move—it’s a soul-level journey. And navigating it well requires courage, clarity, and community.
What’s Next?
In Episode 2, we dive into seven clear signs that it might be time to start the succession conversation—even if you’re not planning to leave anytime soon.
Until then:
📘 Download the free Pastoral Succession eBook for more guidance.
💬 Share this post with your church’s leadership team or board.
🤝 Start a consultation—before you think you need to.