Preparing for the Next Pastor
Seeing the Future Leader
I’ve been taking an Old Testament leadership course, and this week our prof pushed us into a topic I rarely slow down to think about. He asked us to imagine leadership succession and picture who we’d want stepping into our role someday. How am I preparing for the next pastor at Mountainview Church?
Learning from Moses and Joshua
The first lecture highlighted Moses and Joshua. Moses led Israel through the wilderness, but he prepared Israel for a brand new life in the Promised Land. Joshua become the leader in the new land, but he had walked with Moses for many years prior.
I’m certain that Joshua learned a lot, by watching Moses endure challenges and call the people back to worshiping the One true God. He also helped Moses work through the daily rhythm of leading people and solving problems. Joshua didn’t just appear from nowhere. God had been shaping him for years through Moses’ faithful leadership.
It’s strange to imagine someone else in the role I’ve carried for over a decade, but I can see why it’s a healthy exercise to work through. I know he won’t be perfect, but I hope he’s steady, loves people more than programs and listens well. Most of all, I hope he stays rooted in the Great Commission in fresh ways that carry it forward after I’m gone.
Facing My Own Gaps
The second lecture highlighted Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge in 2 Chronicles 1:7–12. The connected questions were: What gap do I see in my own leadership? What would I ask God to strengthen right now?
Of course, part of me wants to default to that same request as Solomon. (Didn’t he already give us the right answer?) But when I think a little more critically, I know exactly where I need help.
- I talk too much in meetings.
- I share my thoughts too quickly.
- I process out loud.
- I sometimes miss what’s actually being said.
With these realities in mind, I would ask God for discernment. Specifically, discernment to know when to speak and when to listen. Knowing when to hold a thought and when to offer it. For those who knew me 20 years ago, I’ve improved in this area. And yet, the more I lead the more I realize good leadership requires more quiet than I’ve give it.
Building What Outlasts Me
Coming back to the main objective, if I were preparing for the next pastor, what would I need to do now?
1. I need to help the congregation be firm in the mission they’ve been given so they wouldn’t waiver when I’m no longer the lead pastor. Our church should be rooted in the Great ComMission that Jesus lays out in Matthew 28:18–20, not in the personality of whoever holds the job.
2. I need to train and trust more leaders. There’s always a temptation to keep decisions and planning close because it’s faster in the short term. If Joshua learned by watching Moses walk with God, then the leaders around me should have the same kind of access.
3. I need to strengthen our systems. Clear, simple processes are a gift to on-boarding a new leader. Of course, they might make changes to those systems, but to have them in place when they arrive aids in the integration. Confusing systems always become a burden for whoever comes next.
4. I need to stay close to Jesus. John 15:4–5 comes to mind, that fruit is produces from abiding in Christ, not striving to be the best leader. If I drift away from Jesus, I’ll leave behind a ministry-mess that someone else needs to fix.
Looking Ahead with Peace
I just finished my eleventh year with Mountainveiw Church. At minimum, I’d love to stay long enough to see our new building completed. But even then, if God’s call is still for Whitehorse, and the congregation still wanted me, why would I leave?
Nevertheless, if I envision the end, finishing with a settled, Christ-centred heart would be the goal. I don’t know who will follow me someday, but I can help shape a church that’s ready to welcome him with confidence and grace…whenever that time comes.
Join the Conversation; Answer This Question
- What kind of legacy do you hope the next pastor or leader in your context inherits from you?
