Navigating Pastoral Transitions

This book examines the transition processes involved in pastoral leadership succession. Beginning with a look at leadership succession literature in general, the author then moves forward to integrate a specific theory of leadership and change (Adaptive Work) with a particular theology (Trinitarian Theology) to create a framework for navigating pastoral transitions. The works of Catherine LaCugna on the doctrine of the Trinity and of Ronald Heifetz on leadership and change are used to anchor this framework. Both the theory and the theology are examined in some depth with an eye for developing practical guidelines for church implementation. After exploring both theory and theology, two church transitions are studied and evaluated with this new framework. One succeeds, the other does not. The actions and attitudes of those involved in the church pastoral transition are rigorously analyzed. Helpful steps to alleviate the turbulence that often accompanies transitional change are suggested for denominational officials, pastors and lay people involved in the transition.