Transition FAQ
Questions regarding Pastor Chris Hodges’ transition from Senior Pastor to Founding Pastor, and Pastor Mark Pettus stepping into the role of Lead Pastor.
- What advice would you give a church about planning succession? What moments with God did you have in the timing of the vision?
- Bring inside an outside voice to help you with this process, so that there is zero bias.
- Whoever the leader is, SEES things. God gives leaders a blueprint of buildings, ministry, programming, series and more.
- Do they have vision for ALL your departments? Kids, Students, College, Next Steps, etc.
- They also UN-SEE when they are seeing something else.
- If you are “losing vision” for something, ask someone that does and see where the Lord leads you. Don’t just do it because it’s been done in the past. (ie. Pastor Chris wasn’t SEEING where a campus needed to go, so he asked Pastor Mark.)
- In your transition of roles, did you feel like 2 years was enough time to plan your succession or transition of roles?
- Yes, because it hasn’t just been two years that we have been developing our future leaders. Develop and watch leaders around you over years and years. Disciple them and empower them and watch as the Holy Spirit leads you.
- What characteristics do I need to look for in the person that will step into this role after I transition?
- Communicate clear vision and values to your leaders.
- Instill these values in the leaders you see potential in
- Look for someone who is the best vision and value carrier
- They may not be exactly the same style of leadership, but the values are the same at their heart.
- Communicate clear vision and values to your leaders.
- In public perception, how do you handle the view of a succession being too quick?
- Be strategic in your language to help hint at the transition and bring them around in front of your church more often. Make the choice, not to announce something pre-maturely.
- Include your elders and family in the process long before the masses know.
- Don’t change anything for a while once the announcement is made (ie. Pastor Chris speaking the next week after the announcement is made and speaking 17 more times this year.) Don’t disappear.
- Know the season your church is in, for example, Pastor Chris did not want Easter to be the announcement day, Easter needs to be about Jesus.
- Be strategic in your language to help hint at the transition and bring them around in front of your church more often. Make the choice, not to announce something pre-maturely.