The 5 essentials of succession planning. The success or failure of a change process in regards to succession in a church is based around 5 essential points. 1) Have a clear plan. Make sure that as the years go by, that the leadership are aware that at a certain time in the future, you as the senior leader will step aside. In my mind this should be written down and agreed by all the leadership. It is also important that a successor is identified, it's not a good idea one year out from stepping aside that advertisements are placed for prospective candidates. The person ready to take over from you needs to learn the ebb and flow of your church's life. If they are already in the church do they carry your DNA but at the same time have the strength of personality to imprint their own ideas and vision. Is there sufficient time to immerse that person in leadership and leadership training? You don't become the CEO of a company without having climbed the ladder of corporate ...