1. Succession planning for local churches and ministries
Preparing for the next generation

2. Why plan for succession?
Visionary leaders sometimes don’t want to retire
Younger leaders sometimes need to be pushed forward
The church/ ministry is comfortable with the status quo
Good succession takes time
The baton can be dropped

3. Key barriers to succession1
Anxiety of the older leader 2
Impatient younger leader 3
Rumors and a lack of clarity 4
The challenge of embracing change

4. Counting the cost
The ministry/church will not go beyond a single generation
There will be stagnation and inertia
New talent will not be attracted
There will be no space for new ideas or a fresh start

5. Stages in the succession process
The leader recognizes the need for succession
The successor is identified
The date is set
Training/ preparation takes place
A new vision/ strategy is devised
Replacement
Time given to settling in

6. Questions
Describe some of the experiences you have had with succession and comment on what were the biggest challenges? 1
If you had the opportunity to do it again, what would you do differently the second time? 2
Looking ahead, what succession situations need to be planned for and how will you organize it? 3

7. Something to Ponder…
How do we develop a culture in church/ministry life that is open and willing to change?
How do we help senior leaders to hand over their ministries with dignity?
How do we train young leaders to assume responsibility and develop strategy without ignoring the past?
How can we support young and senior leaders to work together for the good of the kingdom?