Part of the Leadership Network conference on succession spent a great deal of time helping leaders discover the proper time for them to move on from their current positions. Some leaders stay in their positions far too long and when they do decide to leave, the church experiences a turbulent transition. Here are some key points for senior leaders to consider when developing a succession plan:
- Know when it’s time to leave, we’re better if we head for the door before we’re shown the door (Dick Alexander)
- The key to succession is complete surrender to God (Francis Chan)
- Realize that you may stifle the leadership of the church if you stay too long because they may have an unhealthy dependance on you (Francis Chan)
- Succession requires submission to Christ (Francis Chan)
- Staying or leaving should be based on what is best for God’s kingdom (Francis Chan)
- In the end, we are all interim pastors, someone will sit in your seat (William Vanderbloemen)
- The best legacy you can leave is a prepared successor (William Vanderbloemen)
- Current leaders can prepare successors by sharing their speaking schedules instead of calling on outside speakers (Gene Getz)
- When I need the church more than the church needs me, I’ve stayed too long (Gene Getz)
- You must decrease so the new leader can increase (Jonathan Alexander)
- Make some of the difficult decisions while you still have influence, this will help your successor in the future (Scott Hodge)
- Make your people become friends with succession by talking about it and reminding people that it will happen (Bryan Carter)
- True success happens not in tenure but in transition (Jim Garlow)
- Look for a new ministry outlet, you will be surprised how motivated you are once you catch your breath (Max Lucado)
