In the inaugural episode of the LeadingSmart podcast, co-hosts Holly Tate and Tim Stevens delve into the crucial topic of pastoral succession. They discuss the importance of being prepared for both planned and emergency successions, especially as many baby boomer pastors approach retirement. The episode touches on common misconceptions about succession planning, the emotional and identity challenges pastors face during transitions, and offers insights into the best timing for these conversations. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of how churches can navigate leadership transitions smoothly and effectively. Plus, enjoy a fun segment of 'Rants vs. Raves,' where Holly and Tim share their personal likes and dislikes.

00:00 Introduction and Tragic Story
00:17 Welcome to the Leading Smart Podcast
01:20 Why Pastoral Succession Matters
03:15 Planned vs. Emergency Succession
05:52 Misconceptions About Succession
07:27 Emotional and Identity Challenges
11:04 Rants and Raves
15:19 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

🎧 Listen to the full Pastoral Succession series
https://www.leadingsmart.com/podcast

📘 Download our free Succession Planning Guide
https://www.leadingsmart.com/pastoral-succession-ebook

📩 Have questions or want to connect?
https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk

🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc

📱 Follow us for more insights and resources
Instagram: @timstevens
Facebook: @timstevens

Honest conversations. Practical insights. Smarter leadership.

It's official! The LeadingSmart Podcast is finally here! Hosted by Tim Stevens and Holly Tate, The LeadingSmart Podcast exists to equip church leaders who care deeply about leading with integrity, clarity, and wisdom—even when it’s hard.

In Season One, we’re diving into a topic most churches avoid until it’s too late: pastoral succession. Over 10 episodes, we’ll pull back the curtain on one of the most critical and complex leadership conversations in the Church today.

Whether you’re a senior pastor beginning to ask “what’s next?”, a board member trying to plan for the future, or a staff leader walking through change, this season will give you the tools, language, and courage to navigate succession well.

💡 Here’s what you can expect each week:

• Insight from decades of experience helping churches through transition
• Honest stories from the frontlines
• Tangible takeaways you can apply with your team, board, or congregation
• And of course…our weekly Rants & Raves on everything from leadership to soft pants 😄

Because the truth is: Succession isn’t a moment. It’s a mindset. And it starts long before you think you’re ready.

🎧 Listen to the full Pastoral Succession series
https://www.leadingsmart.com/podcast

📘 Download our free Succession Planning Guide
https://www.leadingsmart.com/pastoral-succession-ebook

📩 Have questions or want to connect?
https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk

🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc

📱 Follow us for more insights and resources
Instagram: @timstevens
Facebook: @timstevens

Welcome to Episode 2 of the LeadingSmart podcast! If you've ever wondered about the right time to talk about pastoral succession, this episode is for you. We unpack key talking points and share insights to help you identify when it's time to take your next steps. This season is all about pastoral succession, and in this episode, we break down the right time to start those crucial conversations using seven key indicators to help assess your church’s current situation. Whether it's a plateauing congregation, aging members, or staff turnover, we explore the signs that it might be time for a leadership change. Plus, we discuss the importance of self-awareness and planning for the future. Join us as we provide actionable insights to ensure a smooth transition for your church's leadership.

The 7 Signs It’s Time to Talk About Pastoral Succession:

The church is plateaued or in decline
– Even if no one is failing, a lack of growth could signal a need for new leadership and fresh vision.
The congregation is growing older
– A church often reflects the age of its pastor. As the pastor ages, so might the congregation unless intentional efforts are made to attract younger members.
The pastor has lost passion or energy
– This isn’t always tied to age, but when passion for the local church diminishes, it's time to consider what’s next—for the pastor and the church.
There is significant staff turnover
– High turnover, especially among strong staff members, may be an indicator of leadership or cultural shifts that need to be addressed.
The pastor has developed a passion for something else
– Whether it's a nonprofit, writing, or new ministry interests, a shift in passion can be a cue to start succession conversations.
A strong internal successor is on staff
– When a capable future leader is already part of the team, it might be time to consider transitioning before they leave for another opportunity.
The pastor’s age
– Age alone isn't the issue, but it does impact long-term effectiveness and relatability—especially to younger generations.

00:00 Introduction to Pastoral Succession
00:46 When to Start Talking About Succession
01:17 Signs It's Time for Succession
05:07 Staff Turnover and Leadership
06:30 Passion and Interests Outside the Church
10:31 Identifying a Strong Successor
13:19 Considering the Pastor's Age
15:25 The Most Important Reason for Succession
16:40 Rants and Raves
19:45 Conclusion and Resources

#theleadingsmartpodcast
#leadershippodcast
#pastoralsuccesion
#churchleadership
#podcast

🎧 Listen to the full Pastoral Succession series
https://www.leadingsmart.com/podcast

📘 Download our free Succession Planning Guide
https://www.leadingsmart.com/pastoral-succession-ebook

📩 Have questions or want to connect?
https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk

🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc

📱 Follow us for more insights and resources
Instagram: @timstevens
Facebook: @timstevens

Navigating the Emotional Journey of Pastoral Succession

In episode three of the Leading Smart podcast, Tim and Holly discuss the emotional and vulnerable aspects of pastoral succession focused on the senior pastor's perspective. The episode delves into the fears and uncertainties pastors face as they contemplate stepping down, such as identity shifts, financial concerns, and changes in family dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of open communication with trusted advisors, financial planners, and family members. Additionally, the hosts discuss the roles of outgoing and incoming pastors in maintaining church continuity and legacy. The episode wraps up with a segment on generational differences in wedding engagements.

00:00 Introduction: The Emotional Journey of Senior Pastors
00:16 Understanding the Vulnerability of Senior Pastors
02:14 Identity and Financial Fears
03:07 Support Systems for Senior Pastors
05:19 The Role of the Spouse and Family
08:16 Transitioning Roles and Legacy Building
13:46 Rant vs Rave: Engagements and Celebrations

#pastoralsuccession #emotionaljourney #churchleadership #faithcommunity #churchlegacy #generationaldifferences

🎧 Listen to the full Pastoral Succession series
https://www.leadingsmart.com/podcast

📘 Download our free Succession Planning Guide
https://www.leadingsmart.com/pastoral-succession-ebook

📩 Have questions or want to connect?
https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk

🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc

📱 Follow us for more insights and resources
Instagram: @timstevens
Facebook: @timstevens

Tim and Holly get real about one of the messiest parts of church leadership: navigating succession with your board. They share stories from the trenches about what makes succession healthy (and what doesn't) and how to actually have those tough conversations.

🔑 What Tim and Holly cover:

• Why trust has to come first (and what to do when it doesn't exist)
• Who really gets to make the succession call - and how to get on the same page
• The "goalpost problem" - why pastors keep changing their minds about timing
• Having honest conversations without the whole board knowing (the "cone of silence")
• Should you find someone just like your current pastor or totally different?
• Two questions your board better ask before you start looking for anyone

💡 You'll want to listen if you're:

• An executive pastor watching this play out with your senior pastor
• A senior pastor trying to figure out your own succession timeline
• A board member who has no clue how to bring this up
• Anyone who's seen succession go sideways and wants to avoid that mess

🎧 Leading Smart Podcast - Episode 4: The Board's Role in Healthy Succession

Tim and Holly get real about one of the messiest parts of church leadership: navigating succession with your board. They share stories from the trenches about what makes succession healthy (and what doesn't) and how to actually have those tough conversations.

🎉 Fun Segments: Tim's pickleball obsession and Holly's surprise musical improv experience!

🤝 Special thanks to our partners at Michael Best, an international law firm specializing in church legal needs and succession planning support.

🎧 Next Episode: Internal successors - good idea or bad idea?

Subscribe for more episodes on healthy church leadership and succession planning!

church leadership, pastoral succession, executive pastor, senior pastor succession, church board, succession planning, pastoral transition, church governance, ministry leadership, pastor retirement, church staff, leadership transition, pastoral search, church bylaws, board relationships, ministry succession, church administration, pastoral leadership, church management, senior pastor search

🎧 Listen to the full Pastoral Succession series
https://www.leadingsmart.com/podcast

📘 Download our free Succession Planning Guide
https://www.leadingsmart.com/pastoral-succession-ebook

📩 Have questions or want to connect?
https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk

🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?si=8b6cc3d0a1124bdc

📱 Follow us for more insights and resources
Instagram: @timstevens
Facebook: @timstevens