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

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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.

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🎧 Listen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years series
https://www.leadingsmart.com/podcast

Download 40 Lessons in 40 Years E-Book https://www.leadingsmart.com/lessons

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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

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

2026 LeadingSmart Gatherings Are OPEN! https://www.leadingsmart.com/gatherings

💻Visit LeadingSmart.com

🎧 Listen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years series
https://www.leadingsmart.com/podcast

Download The Simply Strategic Show

https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2

📩 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