Change is never easy, especially when it comes to transitioning leadership in a ministry you’ve poured your heart and soul into. But let me tell you, it’s necessary for growth and long-term impact.
When Debbie and I started thinking about transitioning leadership at Standing Stone, it was a mix of emotions. Excitement for the future, yes, but also fear and a bit of sadness. It’s natural to feel that way.
Here’s what I learned through our transition process:
- Start early. We began planning for transition years before it actually happened. This gave us time to prepare and find the right leaders.
- Look for God’s hand in the process. Remember how we met Jeramy and Jerusha Clark? That was no coincidence.
- Be willing to let go. This was tough for me, but I had to trust that God could use others to lead the ministry, perhaps even better than I could.
- Invest in the next generation of leaders. We spent time mentoring and preparing Jeramy and Jerusha before handing over the reins.
- Stay humble. Remember, it’s God’s ministry, not yours. He was doing great things before you, and He’ll continue long after you’re gone.
- Celebrate the transition. We made sure to honor the past while embracing the future.
- Remain available, but don’t interfere. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s crucial for a smooth transition.
Change can be scary, but it’s also exciting. Embracing change in ministry leadership isn’t just about ensuring continuity; it’s about unleashing new potential and seeing God work in fresh ways.
Remember, our goal should always be to work ourselves out of a job. That’s when we know we’ve truly succeeded in raising up the next generation of leaders.