Ministry Transitions Nobody Prepares You For (featuring Tim Stevens)

Every ministry transition comes with both a push and a pull. Sometimes you’re drawn toward a new calling. Other times you simply know you can’t stay. 

For Tim Stevens, those moments have shaped four decades of leadership in the church - and given him a front-row seat to hundreds of leaders navigating their own endings and beginnings.

In this conversation, Tim shares candidly about untangling his identity from the church he helped build, why pastors often stay too long, and how to navigate the grief and uncertainty that come with leaving. 

From decades at Granger Community Church to crisis leadership at Willow Creek during COVID, Tim has lived through seasons that tested both his loyalty and his leadership instincts.

Now, through Leading Smart, he walks pastors and boards through governance challenges, succession planning, and leadership transitions. 

Tim offers practical wisdom for both leaders in the second chair and those tasked with guiding major shifts - always with the reminder that ministry endings can be done in ways that protect people, preserve purpose, and prepare for what’s next.

Key Takeaways

• The “push and pull” dynamic is present in every ministry transition.
• Identity can become dangerously intertwined with a role - separation is painful but necessary.
• Pastors often stay longer than they should due to loyalty, finances, or lack of vision for life after ministry.
• Succession planning must start years in advance to avoid crisis moments.
• Governance structures that worked for a smaller church may need major revision as the church grows.
• Churches rarely have systems in place to care for staff after terminations or transitions.
• Healthy endings require intentionality, outside support, and a willingness to let go.

Chapter Markers

• 00:00 – Pickleball, Notre Dame, and the start of the conversation
• 02:29 – Matt’s transition season and early connection with Tim
• 03:17 – Tim’s 40 years in ministry and five major transitions
• 06:55 – Leaving Granger: identity, co-dependence, and the year-long decision
• 13:06 – Lessons from Vanderbloemen: big vs. small church transitions
• 15:17 – Leading through crisis at Willow Creek during COVID
• 18:49 – The birth of Leading Smart and the work Tim does today
• 24:36 – The state of the American church and Gen Z trends
• 26:20 – Why pastors aren’t ready for succession - and how to prepare
• 28:33 – Outplacement and caring well for staff you have to let go
• 32:21 – How to connect with Tim and Leading Smart

If you’re in a season of transition - or see one on the horizon - visit MinistryTransitions.com to connect, give, or book a confidential call. And explore Tim’s work at LeadingSmart.com for coaching, consulting, and resources your church can put into action right now.