THE #1 FAILURE THAT WRECKS A PASTORAL TRANSITION PLUS 9 OTHERS

Harmful Blunders in a Church Lead Pastor Succession 

These common succession failures that I have witnessed over my 50 years of church leadership were briefly covered in one weekend's messages during the my own lead pastor transition:

# 1.. Failure of the lead pastor and church leaders to plan now, well in advance of the lead pastor's inevitable departure due to any of the following:

• • accepting a call to another ministry,
  • a proven disqualifying sin,
  • a "power play" of a forced removal of a qualified pastor loved by most of the church,
  • his poor health, retirement, or death.

2.. Failure to take the right amount of transition time and so:

--rush too quickly to get a new pastor, or

--take too long to call one.

3.. Failure to over-communicate to the church throughout the transition process. 

4.. Failure to tell the truth:

--by the church leadership to the congregation,

--by the church to the prospective new pastor,

--by the candidating new pastor to the church.

5.. Failure to get highly qualified outside help during the transition time. 

6.. Failure of the church board to release the former pastor with honor.

7.. Failure of the former lead pastor to: 

--completely let go of the former lead pastoral role, and

--give 100% support to the new pastor, even 99% is too little.

8.. Failure of the new pastor to honor the former pastor.

9.. Failure of the church to expect and embrace the new pastor's: 

-different personality,

-different leadership style, and

-fresh vision for the church.

10.. Failure of the church and/or new pastor to graciously and lovingly allow some of the church people to:

--leave during the transition time,

--leave after the new pastor is called,

--return after leaving.