Transition Resource
- Context is important, your transition will look different to others depending on the individual context and other factors.
- Always have it in your thoughts, but also it takes discernment to know the right time and season.
- Plan ahead, always be asking 'Who's next?' We don't know what might happen and we need to be prepared for both planned transition and the sudden need for change.
- Take people with you, involve your team and other advisors.
- You can be too quick, you can also be too slow. Involve trusted people in the process who can help you discern the right timeframe
- Champion the new leader, you want them and the Church to succeed in the future so celebrate them, champion them and ensure they have the freedom to lead.
- Have a good process and clear communication
A Biblical example of Moses & Joshua shows us three phases
- Come out of... Give up...
- Celebrate the leader who is transitioning out
- Allow them to process the laying down of leadership
- Working it out... ('The wilderness')
- Walking together, you don't want a revolving door you want to walk the journey together.
- Don't give in to people pleasing, seek God for the right plan.
- Welcome external prophetic input
- What's next... (Joshua's story)
- What does this look like for the previous leader (it doesn't have to look like retirement, don't be ageist, ensure they have something to step into next)
- Consider the practical shift and spiritual shift for both the transitioning leader and the incoming leader
- Ensure the new leader is released to lead
