Transition Plan: 7 Secrets Every Leader Needs to Know

by Bob Russell, Bryan Bucher

You’ve trained for months. Three workouts a day. Wind sprints. Long distance. Weight training. Your speed and endurance are the best they’ll ever be. You’re at your peak, about to run the race of your life. And everything you’ve worked so hard for comes down to a few seconds on a track. The gun fires, and you fly faster than ever before. Your heart pounds. You sense that you’re breaking records with each step. But at the final turn, the unthinkable happens. Right as you’re extending the baton to the next runner, it somehow falls to the ground. You watch in slow motion as it hits the track, bouncing away from you. Up to that moment, everything had been perfect. But dropping the baton cost your team the race. And for the rest of your life, you wonder why you didn’t practice the transition.

While not all of us run relays, all of us do have to make transitions. But batons drop everyday in churches, businesses, and organizations. Sooner or later, you will face a transition. Will you be ready? If not, you may endure the agony of a failed transition. The good news is that you don’t have to. Not only can you avoid dropping the baton, you can even strengthen your organization by preparing for upcoming transitions.

Genres: Leadership

156 pages, Hardcover

First published August 23, 2010

About the author

BOB RUSSELL At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches and conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. An accomplished author, Bob has written over one-dozen books.Bob and his wife Judy of 50 years have two married sons, Rusty and Phil. In his leisure time he enjoys playing golf and is an avid University of Louisville football and basketball fan.

Reviews

[Dan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastoral transitions are often brutal affairs, especially for the two pastors involved. What seems a victory for one may feel life a defeat to the another. The reason for this is usually the lack of a clear plan, an inadequate process created well in advance, and a lack of mature participants. This is a small book about some people who did it right.

[David Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. This is the first book I've read on planning and executing a transition in leadership. I think it should be required reading for any leader regardless of the stage of leadership in which they currently lead, whether that be their first day on the job or if they are at the apex of their leadership in a particular position or are looking at the majority of their time in leadership at an organization in the rear view mirror.

Well written, with a good balance between personal stories and well structured advice and instruction for the reader.

[Daniel Im · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wealth of knowledge and experience

Wow. I first heard Bob speak at the LifeWay Leadership Pipeline Conference on Succession and I was deeply impressed by his ability to communicate with much humility. This book just brings it to the next level. It’s a must read for every outgoing and incoming pastor during seasons of succession.

[John Leffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book on transitioning from full time ministry into retirement and how to make that process successful.

[Chad Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for any person who will be transitioning a company, ministry, or church. Very pertinent for the season I am in right now. Easy read.

[David Eversole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, quick read from someone who has been through a high-profile, successful transition.

[Doug Van Meter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful as far as practical advice. A less than biblical ecclessiology mars some of the counsel. Nevertheless, it's worth reading.

[John]

Practical insights into preparing NOT to be the key leader someday, and intentionally preparing for that moment.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is clear, though brief, guidance applicable to ministry or business.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent for Christian leaders who are in their last 15 years of work life. Tried this, and it worked.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description of one churches transition from founding pastor to the next leader.
Practical suggestions. Our church used this as a pattern for our similar transition.