What’s it like growing up in a ministry home? Tim Stevens sits down with his four adult kids to talk candidly about life, faith, and family behind the scenes of church leadership on The LeadingSmart Podcast.

Let’s get this straight: Saying no doesn’t make you mean. It makes you wise. Saying yes to everything in ministry leads to burnout and mission drift. Learn why strategic leaders say no—and how a “stop doing” list can refocus your church.

After 35 years of marriage and 40 years in ministry, Tim and Faith Stevens share what’s helped them stay healthy, connected, and on the same team—even through cross-country moves, career changes, and seasons of exhaustion. Tune into season 2: episode 3 of The LeadingSmart Podcast here.

When people leave your church, it can feel deeply personal—especially for pastors who lead with their whole heart. In this blog, I share honest, hard-won wisdom on navigating the pain of ministry departures without losing yourself in the process.

After 40 years in ministry—including 20 at one church—Tim Stevens shares hard-won lessons about longevity, avoiding burnout, and knowing when it’s time to move on. Tune into season 2: episode 2 of The LeadingSmart Podcast here.

Have you ever asked yourself, “Who am I without the title?” When your identity is tied to your role as pastor, stepping away can feel like losing yourself. Here’s how to reclaim who you are—before the title is gone.

This year marks 40 years since I started full-time ministry. So for Season 2 of the LeadingSmart Podcast, Holly and I decided to take a look back. Not to reminisce (okay, maybe a little), but to reflect on the lessons I’ve picked up along the way—some the easy way, most the hard way. Tune in.

Succession doesn’t end with the handoff. In Episode 10 of the LeadingSmart Podcast, we explore how to restructure your team, support your new pastor, and protect staff culture after the transition—plus a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 2.

Wondering if pastors or church staff should receive bonuses? After 40 years in ministry, here’s my take on church staff bonuses—what works, what doesn’t, and how to lead your team with fairness and wisdom.

Before you interview a single candidate, build the profile. In Episode 9 of the LeadingSmart Podcast, we explore why a clear Senior Pastor Profile is essential to a healthy succession—and how it helps your church stay aligned, objective, and mission-focused.

Who should be on your church’s transition team when it’s time for pastoral succession? And what should they actually do? Episode 8 of the LeadingSmart Podcast breaks down how to build the right team for a healthy pastoral succession.

Over the years, David Whiting has served in influential churches across the country—leading teaching teams, shaping leadership structures, and helping pastors lead with greater clarity. I’m thrilled to welcome David to the LeadingSmart team as a Senior Consultant. Learn more about partnering with David.

Many churches spend months planning pastoral succession—but forget to plan how to communicate it. Episode 7 of the LeadingSmart Podcast reveals how to get it right: who to tell, when to tell them, and how to protect trust every step of the way.

Discover why finances are often the hidden key to a healthy pastoral succession. In episode 6 of The LeadingSmart Podcast, we explore how to prepare, fund, and lead through the financial side of transition. Get ready for your church and leadership to thrive financially.

Leadership is rewarding, but it’s also lonely. The higher you rise, the harder it becomes to find someone who can speak into your leadership with clarity, objectivity, and wisdom. That’s where a strategic advisor can make all the difference.

In Episode 5 of the Leading Smart Podcast, we discuss what to do when someone already on your team wants to throw their name in the hat. Whether it’s your teaching pastor, a beloved campus leader, or someone with long-standing ties to your church, the big question is this: Is an internal candidate a blessing—or a blind spot when it comes to pastoral succession?

In Episode 4 of the Leading Smart Podcast, we talk about something churches often overlook: the board’s role in a healthy pastoral succession. Because let’s face it, you can’t plan a smooth succession without a strong foundation of trust and clarity between the senior pastor and the board.

Hiring great people isn’t just about job descriptions and interview questions. It’s about discernment, relational investment, and telling the whole truth. Here are 3 critical phases to the interview process that will ensure every new hire is a good hire.

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.

The emotional side of pastoral 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.