Pastoral Transitions: A Seamless Hand Off of Leadership

Imagine a church’s pastoral leadership transition that is seamless and builds on the foundation of past. Gary Smith has spent the last 40 years watching churches go through the trauma and uncertainty that accompanies a transition in the office of pastor. His book, PASTORAL TRANSITIONS: A SEAMLESS TRANSFER OF LEADERSHIP, explores the limitless possibilities of the pastoral succession in a way that gives stability to this uncertain process, as well as, an opportunity for all involved to thrive and succeed. This book doesn’t lay out an exact plan for every church and leader. Still, PASTORAL TRANSITIONS provides the framework for any church of any size and locale to examine the unique way God wants to make this process an enjoyable experience for everyone. He helps the outgoing pastor deal with the emotions of letting go of his “baby,” as well as finding ministry for the future that flourishes and uses his gifts and experiences. This book helps the leader “get started” on his most challenging and rewarding experience in ministry, watching the church he gave his life to prosper and build upon the vision God gave him as pastor. He also gets the opportunity to use his leadership capital to “stock the refrigerator” for the incoming pastor in a way that creates mutual respect and gratitude for both of them.