The LeadingSmart Podcast
Honest conversations. Practical insights. Smarter leadership.
Hosted by Tim Stevens and Holly Tate, The LeadingSmart Podcast exists to equip church leaders who care deeply about leading with integrity, clarity, and wisdom—even when it’s hard.
In Season One, we’re diving into a topic most churches avoid until it’s too late: pastoral succession. Over 10 episodes, we’ll pull back the curtain on one of the most critical and complex leadership conversations in the Church today.
Whether you’re a senior pastor beginning to ask “what’s next?”, a board member trying to plan for the future, or a staff leader walking through change, this season will give you the tools, language, and courage to navigate succession well.
Here’s what you can expect each week:
Insight from decades of experience helping churches through transition
Honest stories from the frontlines
Tangible takeaways you can apply with your team, board, or congregation
And of course…our weekly Rants & Raves on everything from leadership to soft pants 😄
Because the truth is: Succession isn’t a moment. It’s a mindset. And it starts long before you think you’re ready.
#LeadingSmartPodcast, #ChurchLeadership, #SuccessionPlanning, #LeadershipDevelopment, #ExecutivePastor, #LeadershipTools, #MinistryCoaching, #LeadershipPodcast
The LeadingSmart Podcast
What Does A Healthy Pastoral Transition Look Like?│Pastoral Succession
In the final episode of Season 1, Holly and Tim wrap up the series on pastoral succession by tackling a topic that’s often overlooked—but critical: staffing and structure in a new season of leadership.
Whether you're an executive pastor, board member, or senior leader, this episode will help you think clearly and strategically about what your team should look like after a new senior pastor steps in. From aligning your structure with the new leader’s strengths to preserving a healthy culture and avoiding silent staff turnover, this conversation is packed with insights you can act on.
You’ll learn:
- Why the team that worked for your last pastor may not work for the next one
- How to build your org chart from a blank slate—before slotting in names
- What healthy staff transitions look like—and when to expect natural turnover
- A simple four-box framework for evaluating your team’s fit and performance
- How to ensure your staff feels clear, aligned, and equipped to thrive
If you care about setting your church—and your new senior leader—up for long-term success, don’t miss this conversation.
Stay tuned for season 2, coming July 29th!
#pastoralsuccession #churchleadership #staffingandstructure #orghealth #healthyteams #leadingsmart #churchconsulting #hollyandtim #teamculture #churchstaff
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