Next: A Manual for Pastoral Transitions

by Tom Brennan

Life is a series of transitions. From child, to teen, to adult. From newlywed, to parent, to grandparent. From apprentice, to laborer, to retirement. In these scenarios, knowing the inevitability of change we make preparation. The ministry should be no different. Should the return of Christ tarry, every church will ultimately have a different pastor than the one who now leads the flock. Some of those changes will occur because of calling, some because of health, some because of death, and others will change because of sin. Regardless of the cause behind the change, every church and pastor should prepare for that day. A Manual for Pastoral Transitions is an invaluable resource for making those preparations. Written by a man who has experienced such transitions as a child in the home of a pastor, as well as being in the position of pastor himself, this book is filled with practical and helpful insights for navigating the troubling waters of change. With chapters for the departing pastor, the pastoral candidate, the successor in waiting, and the pulpit committee, this book helps provide a roadmap through every facet of transition. While you may not agree with every opinion expressed by the author, there is more than enough practical advice to make this book an essential part of every preacher's library and a valuable tool for every deacon board and pulpit committee. - Craig Burcham, Chairman of the Bible Department Golden State Baptist College, Santa Clara, California

210 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2022

About the author

After six years establishing a church in rural Pennsylvania and sixteen years revitalizing an inner-city church in Chicago, in 2019 Tom Brennan accepted the call to pastor the Bible Baptist Church of Dubuque, Iowa. He and his lovely wife, Mandy, have been married since 1999. They have three children. He is happiest at home, surrounded by his family, with a cup of tea to hand and a large stack of books within easy reach. Failing that, he can be found hiking one of the many beautiful trails in Dubuque or slowly barbecuing something on his smoker.

In addition to pastoring, the Lord has given him an active writing ministry. Birthed in 2014, Brennan's Pen includes a blog, daily emails designed for men in ministry, and five books to date. You can find more about his writing by perusing his blog, concerningjesus.blogspot.com, or his author website, brennanspen.com.

Reviews

[Paul Frederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the advantage of reading the majority of this book very slowly, catching every chapter as it was posted on the author's blog over a period of time. Last week I purchased the Kindle version and read it through very quickly, but that did not diminish the impact this book had on me.

I've only read two of Brennan's books, but I have read thousands of his words on his blog, heard him via YouTube preach, and listened to the podcast he is on every week. In addition to this I have met Pastor Brennan, and I have interacted with him in a couple of different ways online. To say I am a fan of his work is an understatement. Through the years I have found him thoroughly Biblical, wise, and sensible. On occasion I have sought his counsel because I know he will provide a Biblical perspective that is honed in the world of life and ministry to a place of fine-pointed wisdom. You may not agree with everything he says, but you must appreciate the thought processes he used to come to that opinion.

Now that the gushing is over, let me get to Next: A Manual for Pastoral Transitions. In my opinion, humble or not, this book should be on the shelf of every pastor and deacon in every Independent Baptist church in our country and around the world. I am a Pastor in transition, I have been a Pastor searching for a work, and I have seen the inner-workings of a Pulpit Committee via my Dad who has served in that capacity on a couple of occasions in his church. This book could be such a benefit for every person involved in the pastoral transition time if they would only read and heed it. You might not like every line Brennan wrote, but you will appreciate them when you find yourself staring down the barrel of a pastoral transition.

With all of that said, I think there were a couple of chapters the pastor could have added (keep an eye on your email, Tom!) and I hope he will prayerfully consider releasing an updated and expanded edition in the future. Apart from that, I could not begin to knock holes in this book in any way. It is wonderfully written by a man who sincerely wants to be a help to pastors, churches, and pulpit committees. You won't regret the time you spend reading this book and your future self will likely thank you immensely.

[Omar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good manual for those in transition into, or out of, a ministry position. Very practical and useful information, though obviously not everything will be applicable to each individual situation.

[Connor Kinkade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a young man training for the ministry, currently taking Bible College courses online and working in my local church as the pastor's right hand man. I bought this book in hopes to get some insight for what to do next: Should I stay here indefinitely, or should I go somewhere else after my training, etc.? This book actually did a lot more than that. It showed me how much I do not know, first of all. Second of all, it helped me zero back in on my calling a bit. I think it is healthy to rethink your calling into the ministry every once in awhile, especially when things seem mundane and you are starting to feel a bit discontented in your position. This book highlighted some things I really need to work on to be better prepared for the pastorate. "Next" for me is a definite "wait."

[Todd Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful help in several areas for pastor, new church, & former church