The church was here long before us, and it will be here long after us. Let's leave it better for the next pastor.

No church should be so reliant on one person that it’s at risk of collapse when that person leaves. Even if that person is the pastor.

Pastoral transition is one of the most dangerous times in a congregation’s life. We need to get better at it.

In previous generations, the denomination, the church building, and family expectations had such a strong hold that it virtually didn’t matter who the pastor was.

When you give church members the gift of time and respect, they’ll go with you to some exciting places.

Changing chairs after 25 years as lead pastor at the same church is so unusual that we never could have planned it.

It’s not how we act when things stay the same that tests our strength and character, it’s how we act when things change.

Lack of an Org Chart is no excuse for lack of organization.

Churches that resist change have a harder time when change is needed. Churches that regularly make smaller transitions hone their transition skills.

Wise and loving pastors don’t attack people’s affection for the past, they ease their fears about the future.

Changing because the mission demands it is the only way to make changes that last.

Leaving a church is hard. Don't make it harder by doing it badly.

Watching someone else build on the foundation you’ve helped establish may be the most fulfilling part of life and ministry.

Rebooting or revitalizing an existing church is a huge undertaking. But when it’s done well, it’s extremely rewarding.