Succession as Discipleship (Part 1)
Most pastors don’t begin their ministry thinking about how it will end. We start with a sense of calling, a love for the local church, and a desire to be faithful wherever God has placed us. For many, years—sometimes decades—pass before the question of succession ever comes into focus. And that’s understandable. Succession usually feels distant or unnecessary—until suddenly it isn’t.
Scripture, however, invites us to think differently. Paul writes to Timothy, “What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). That verse is not about stepping aside. Paul writes that it’s about stewarding what God has entrusted to us for the sake of others. Leadership in the church has always been about reproduction, not replacement.
Every pastor is, in a very real sense, an interim pastor. That truth isn’t cynical—it’s clarifying. The church belongs to Christ, not to us. Our calling is not simply to lead well today, but to prepare others for tomorrow. When succession is framed this way, it becomes an expression of discipleship rather than a concession to decline.
Succession planning, at its core, is an act of love. Love for the people we serve. Love for those God is forming behind us. Love for the gospel witness of the church beyond our own tenure. It is not about predicting an ending, but about leading faithfully through every season God gives us.
For many pastors—especially those in their 50s and 60s—this season raises honest questions. What is God inviting me into now? What does finishing well actually look like? How do I steward leadership without rushing decisions or avoiding necessary conversations? These are not questions to answer quickly or alone. They require prayer, humility, and wise companionship.
That’s why Converge Great Lakes will offer a pastoral succession cohort designed specifically for this stage of ministry, beginning in September 2026. This is a Zoom-based, resource-rich, and highly conversational experience focused on discernment rather than decisions. Pastors will meet for six guided sessions to explore key dimensions of succession, leadership transition, and personal readiness. In parallel, critical lay leaders—such as board chairs—will gather for four sessions tailored to their distinct role and responsibilities. The experience concludes with a joint follow-up conversation, bringing pastor and church leader together to discern next steps.
This cohort is not about forcing a timeline or prescribing an outcome. It is about creating space to listen carefully—to Scripture, to trusted voices, and to the Spirit’s leading. The goal is simple and pastoral: that each participant leaves with greater clarity, confidence, and peace about what faithfulness looks like in the season ahead.
You don’t need to have answers to take part. You only need a willingness to ask the right questions. For more information, contact Alan (acleveland@convergegreatlakes.org) or Brian (bpetersen@convergegreatlakes.org) for more information.
In the next installment, we’ll turn to a very practical expression of pastoral care: preparing wisely for the unplanned.
