This project tests certain conditions which are assumed to enhance leadership transition in the local church. It examines and analyzes the primary entities of the transitional process: predecessor, successor, governing board and member of the church as they interface with each other through the transitional process. It explores the conditions from both philosophical and biblical viewpoints.
Chapter one is an overview of the problems and sensitivities often present when leadership transitions occur in the church. It is written as a literature overview, but also as a theoretical construct introducing the reader to the many topics and concerns which come into view during the transitional process. It sets a preliminary stage for testing the conditions which the writer assumes will enhance successful transition.
Chapter two examines the biblical and theological implications of leadership transition. The writer presents a philosophy of biblical leadership and then explores the many forms of leadership transition found in the scriptures. From these examples, implications are presented which interface with the conditions that enable successful leadership transition in the church.
Chapter three is an examination of the findings from the field research. The field research included surveying eleven churches which had experienced successful leadership transition. In addition, seven retired pastors from successful transitions were interviewed and used as supplemental resources for the field study.
From the findings, theoretical profiles of the individual entities of transition were presented along with a comparison of these profiles with the previously assumed conditions of successful leadership transition.
Chapter four, though not critical to the study itself, presents predecessors, successors, governing boards and church members with practical suggestions and recommendations for planning for and participating in a successful leadership transition.