Growing Your Ministry Through…Letting Go

Are you prepared for the next generation of your ministry? Every ministry goes through generations, when a new leader takes over after the previous one is called to something new. Whether your current generation lasts months or years, the comes a time when you must transition to the next leader. Here are three tips for gettting prepared and making the transition to your ministry’s next generation.

Leave a Legacy

In the midst of the transition, the new leader must learn what was previously done, and why, as well as what is appropriate to do moving forward. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know that I encourage documenting the job roles, operational procedures, and functional structure of your ministry. When the time comes to hand off to the new leader, this documentation can become invaluable to the new leader, not just to those currently serving. Provide a copy of your ministry’s binder so that they can understand the why’s and how’s of your ministry.

Lead the Transition

As the current leader, you are the closest to the ministry and how it works. In addition to the documentation, you should establish a transitional role with the new leader. Obtain permission from the new leader to guide them through the transition process, allowing them to follow you and learn how you currently run the ministry. Then, allow them to slowly start to take your place, until they can handle the majority of the workload. Don’t just dump documentation and run – the new leader and the volunteers both suffer.

Let It Go

Finally, just let it go. Accept that the new leader will want to do things differently. Everyone is different and comes from a variety of backgrounds, so remember that it isn’t your team anymore. Don’t try to interfere, and only jump in if asked. And whatever you do, don’t speak ill of the new leader’s decision or abilities to your current volunteers. You may have a strong bond with them, such that you continue to meet with them even after you stop serving alongside one another. That is fine, just stay away from the ministry as a topic. Move on to your new calling and leave the next leader to theirs.

Transitioning a ministry is a tough thing to do – you have lots of emotional attachment and the new leader has a large desire to take over. Manage the transition using the steps above, and you’ll continue to see your ministry grow for the times to come!

[tags]church leadership, ministry leadership, volunteering[/tags]

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