Next: Pastoral Succession That Works Hardcover – Illustrated, April 21, 2020

"Every pastor is an interim pastor" are the first words to the preface of this well-written, thoroughly documented book. It followed up with the words, "Few ministers consider that truth. Few are eager to admit that their time with their current church will one day end. But ultimately, all pastors are "interim" because the day when a successor takes over will come for everyone in ministry."Those words really grabbed my attention. I knew I needed to read the book not only to learn many of these things myself, but also for our current church and its future. Why? Our pastor announced earlier this year that he would retire at his 40th anniversary this fall.I don't even know how to adequately describe this book other than every pastor, leader, and member who loves their church ought to read this book. Infused throughout the book is the idea that it is never too early too start planning for the next pastor/leader of one's church. In matter of fact, the admonition is given that as soon as a new pastor begins, he ought to start thinking ahead and preparing the church for the day that he will no longer be the pastor.These thoughts intrigued me as I have always been involved with churches/leaders whose mantra was always "I'll never retire!" or "I'd rather burn out than rust out!" or "Retirement is not in the Bible!" However, this book succinctly puts at least two things in perspective. 1) Pastors will not live forever and 2) the health of the church should be more important than the length of service of the pastor.The book really attempts to be part of a small, but growing movement of getting churches to take a longer look at where their church is going and prepare not just for the immediate, but for many years after the current members have come and gone.It really started me to evaluate my own thoughts on the process. One of the quotes that stood out to me was the following:"Good pastors focus their life on producing good fruit. But the greatest and most visionary pastors and church leaders share a common wisdom: they plan not just for their current "tree" but also for the time beyond their own tenure.What would happen if that wisdom and vision were talked about among church leaders from day one of their tenure?...What could happen?If the culture changed, the exception of good succession planning might become the rule. The change would lead to a healthier church overall."If you love those in the ministry, love your church, or love that God called you to serve him as a minister in His church, it would do you well to read this book!

After 33 years serving as a senior pastor, 20 years at the current assignment, of which I planted; I knew 5 years ago my time was nearing. I started having conversations with folk inside and out about not leaving the church the way former leadership left it in our city, Fort Wayne In. I found who I believe will be my successor, he and I have read this book and it has not only encouraged me to make that move but given me much insight on how to make it. After reading “Next” I am convinced that Joshua’s Temple MBC can become all I’ve ever envisioned that it could be with proper succession and I can help my successor to become all I never was and the kind of pastor the city hasn’t seen in a long time, if ever they have seen one of such. I can also help he and JT to become the church the community has never seen by becoming the example of how a church member can help their church to do so.... Thank you William and Warren

The subject of the book is one that needs to be discussed by pastors, the boards that the report to as well as the congregations they serve. The concept that every pastor is an interim helps to recognize that there needs to be a plan for succession in place to insure a smooth transition whenever a church leader moves on, no matter what the reason. For example, whenever a church starts a significant building project, it is fair to ask what will happen if the senior Pastor who is heading up the project is no longer able to carry out their tasks and the church starts to falter.

Very please with the overall condition of the book

"Next" is not only a great read, but also a most timely book on a subject most pastors and church boards frankly haven't even considered -- what is the church's plan for brining on their next pastor when the current one departs. Some pastors may plan on serving one church for 20 or more years and yet, God forbid, get run over by a bus next week. The book is full of both anecdotes of both good and bad pastoral successions and solid principles for putting a succession plan in place early on in a new pastor's tenure. These principles hold fast for churches of all sizes and styles for all denominations. "Next" is probably the most thoughtful, helpful, and unique book for pastors and their churches that I've come across in a long time.Submitted by the Rev. Jim McCaslin, Canon to the Ordinary, Gulf Atlantic Diocese, Anglican Church in North America

Tons of examples of every size church. While there are all of the big names in church succession, there are dozens of other examples of all kinds of churches in here. This is a great resource for leaders and I highly recommend it!

Very well written and timely book. Should be a MUST read for every seminary student preparing for vocational ministry, pastor and church board member. The use of well-known examples of succession "successes" and "failures" provides a candid backdrop for understanding the importance of the topic. It takes courage to read the book, but even more courage to engage the succession conversation as a pastor, denominational leader or board member. It will be messy but the risks associated with not engaging the conversation are even messier. Highly recommend this book!

Brilliant!!! Being on the receiving end of a transition at the moment where I am taking on a church from a pastor. It has helped me deeply to under the pastors heart and the dynamics of the church and the board. Highly recommend the book. Love the broader outlook of the book right from the 1800 to the present and the overseas discussions of transitions.

A must read for every pastor!