SUCCESSION.
To some that’s a bad word. To some it’s an unspoken word. To others it is a word that fulfills the first part of that word: SUCCESS.
I’ve been reading a lot lately on succession. I’m on my second reading of Next by Vanderbloemen and Bird (First and now second edition). I’ve read two others and will soon read The Elephant in the Boardroom by Weece and Crabtree.
Why? To put it bluntly: I’m 71 years old, soon to be 72 in October. I start my 20th year at OVCF (the church I pastor) in November. I’m not getting any younger. (I know, sad, but true). 🙂 And even though it would be nice to keep pastoring and living to a good old age that isn’t guaranteed. The stats are still one out of one I will kick the bucket. So not only do I need to prepare for my transition out of this life, I also need to prepare for my transition out of OVCF. I want it to grow and live on! NO ONE wants to see something they have given their heart and soul, blood, sweat and tears to go down the tubes. Unless, of course, that person is a narcissist.
There is an old saying
Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it. (George Santayana, philosopher)
“Wise leaders in pastoral succession will learn from the past.” (Vanderbloemen and Bird-Next-p.154) In my reading I have read of enough failures to know I. DO. NOT. WANT. THAT!
A wise leader also learns to recognize when age, health, or simple lack of effectiveness affects or will soon affect his/her future. That goes for any CEO; founder: leader; church planter; or in my case, a pastor who loves his people.
I’m reminded of the words of John the Baptizer when asked about the popularity of Jesus over him. John said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (John 3:30 NLT) And that is the whole point of succession. For me at least. I don’t want to hold back the advance of God’s kingdom because of arrogance and pride.
That same principle applies to all leaders faced with the need for succession. Don’t hold back the advance of your company because of arrogance and pride. While I’m not a CEO, A CFO, or any other “O”, I want to see God’s kingdom move forward, especially at OVCF.
This was something Dick struggled with all through his ministry. In the Methodist system, the current pastor has no say in who the future pastor should be. Dick did what he could to prepare the congregation for someone new. He also tried to help the staff perish board to vocalize what they felt the needs of the church were for a pastor. But in the end, we just had to leave it in gods hands.
I’m familiar with your system, Pam, because of reading and friends. I do not have that roadblock. we are an independent congregation and have total autonomy to decide who follows whom. I like it this way.
Yes, Bill, there comes a time when we have to pass the torch to the next generation, no matter what business we are in. I’m sure when that time comes for you, you will do so with grace and good will to all. It sounds like you are truly being honest with yourself and want, above all, to do God’s will in all you undertake. Blessings!
That is exactly my desire Martha. I pray for grace and wisdom to help make it happen.
We all need to live the life like John the Baptizer, wanting to see everyone coming behind us not only to carry on the good works but to do even a better job than we did. It’s a compliment when you have trained and mentor someone and to see that they took what you taught them, and took it to the next level. Paul did just that with so many he mentor, and gave us great lessons in passing the baton on to the next person.
Paul’s mentoring of Timothy and possibly Onesimus is a great example Gail! Thanks for bringing that up!
In my various positions I have held throughout my career, with the exception of one employer, I have tried to do my best to insure that the company I left was in good hands and a smooth transition would occur. I have also tried to have an open phone/email policy for questions that came up that needed a quick reply. When situations arose where a suitable replacement was not available right away, I have tried to do my best to at least “keep the lights on”.
I try to avoid compartmentalizing my secular work vs ministry work in that I believe God is involved with both. However, I do hope that perhaps God takes a bit more “interest” in ministry work to insure that the right people are in the right position to move things in the right direction. That said, people are messy, ministry is messy, and this side of heaven, that messiness can lend itself to difficult transitions and personal agendas.
It is always good to do our part to insure that we are not the cause of something falling flat. It is our responsibility as leaders or employees to provide some extra momentum to insure those following us can hit the ground running. Then when the time comes, we must be willing and able to step aside and allow the personality of those who follow to lead without interference and provide our help, but only when asked and when it does not undermine the new leadership.
Hmmmm it sounds like you have been reading the same book as me. 🙂 You have taken a page out of the same book and done a great job capsulizing what they say. Great approach Ryan! Thanks. And for the record: that is my hope and prayer when it comes time to pass the mantle to someone else.