Churches can experience two extremes when it comes to lead pastors: pastors who leave prematurely, or pastors who hang on too long. In today’s episode we unpack four powerful questions and four practical steps to help leaders discern if a necessary ending is nearing.

How does a pastor know that it’s time to craft and start implementing a succession plan?

• Is your vision still motivational to you? Or is your passion for that vision waning?
• Am I coasting toward the finish line?
• Can I bring the required spiritual, emotional, and physical energy?
• Is money the only reason I am staying?

Key steps to discerning God’s timing:

• Take time to think, pray, journal. Don’t be in a rush, but don’t procrastinate either.
• Include your spouse in the journey. Hear from God together.
• Find a friend who will shoot straight with you, and a coach who can walk alongside you.
• Start thinking about, planning for, and writing down a succession plan.

Add a skill now that you can use outside the pulpit. Get certified as a coach, a mentor, or a spiritual director.