[S1EP5] Are Internal Successors an Opportunity or Landmine? | Pastoral Succession

Welcome back to The LeadingSmart Podcast!In this episode of LeadingSmart, hosts Tim Stevens and Holly Tate tackle one of the most critical questions in pastoral succession: Should you promote from within or look externally? When that promising teaching pastor or student ministry leader seems like the perfect fit, is it really an opportunity—or are you walking into a landmine?Tim and Holly break down the real challenges churches face when considering internal candidates for senior pastor roles. From the emotional complexity of the "American Idol" approach to succession, to the harsh reality that less than one in ten internal candidates who don't get the job actually stay at the church, this episode doesn't shy away from the tough truths.What You'll Learn:When promoting internally works (and when it absolutely doesn't)The critical landmines that can destroy both relationships and church healthWhy timing matters more than you think in succession planningHow to objectively evaluate someone you know personallyThe importance of having clear leadership development pathwaysKey Insights:If your church is growing and healthy, internal promotion can maintain momentumIf your church is plateaued or declining, you likely need fresh external perspectiveNever let the process drag on—make internal candidate decisions within 3-4 monthsAvoid stacking internal candidates against external searchesPlus, don't miss Tim's surprising rave about airplane travel and Holly's passionate rant about men not wearing wedding rings!Whether you're a senior pastor planning your succession, a board member navigating this process, or a ministry leader wondering about your own future, this episode provides the honest, practical guidance you need.Hosts: Tim Stevens and Holly Tate bring years of church consulting experience to help leaders navigate the complexities of pastoral transitions.📱 Follow us for more insights and resourcesInstagram: @timstevensFacebook: @timstevens💻Visit LeadingSmart.comNeed help facilitating your next staff retreat or strategic offsite? https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talkHouston listeners — join the Houston Roundtable on June 4th (only 25 spots). https://www.leadingsmart.com/houston-roundtableListen to Leading In Real Time Podcast Series https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ2wnxRYYqm_ThAiSPBwjH7vQH5i3H3aKListen to the full 40 Lessons In 40 Years serieshttps://www.leadingsmart.com/podcastDownload The Simply Strategic Show https://www.leadingsmart.com/books-2📩 Have questions or want to connect?https://www.leadingsmart.com/lets-talk🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodesApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leadingsmart-podcast/id1813933962Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1IqLLXtvtZBEgRsM2gOXpO?s...