FAQs: Real Questions. Honest Answers.
Because ministry transitions don’t come with a manual, and you deserve clarity before you make the next move.
We realize what we are doing is something new, so there will be questions. This is our attempt to explain the heart and mission behind what we are doing.
Transitions & Services
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We walk with Christian leaders and organizations through the often-complex process of leadership transition - whether you're preparing for succession, letting someone go, or stepping out yourself. Our services include strategic succession planning, staff offboarding, career pivot coaching, counseling referrals, and organizational advisement.
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We help with six types of transitions, each modeled on a modified Johari Window framework that helps identify what’s known (or not known) by both the individual and the organization:
Open Transitions — Everyone is aware: Succession planning, founder handoffs, planned retirements, and long-view leadership shifts.
Blind Transitions — The organization sees the need, but the individual doesn’t: Performance issues, misalignment, or staff offboarding where clarity needs to be brought with care.
Hidden Transitions — The individual is ready to leave but hasn’t told anyone: Burnout, family strain, calling shifts, or quiet resignations in process.
Unknown Transitions — Neither party is fully aware, but something’s stirring under the surface: Loss of passion, organizational stagnation, slow relational drift.
Crisis Transitions — Triggered by moral failure, health issues, conflict, or trauma: Reactive and urgent moments that require support from all sides.
Blind Aftermath — The exit has already happened, but the aftershocks are just beginning: Disorientation, grief, financial or spiritual fallout.
We offer care at every phase - before, during, and after a transition.
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We do work with churches, yes - but also missions agencies, Christian nonprofits, Christian higher ed, and marketplace leaders who follow Jesus. In fact, we believe these principles and our frameworks are applicable anywhere where organizations want to treat their people with care and respect.
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Both. We support high-level decision makers in stewarding change well. And we care for individuals - pastors, missionaries, staff - navigating what’s next. Every transition impacts both organizations and the people who work in them.
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Not at all. Succession planning is needed for any anticipated leadership change - whether due to burnout, redirection, or long-term planning. You don’t need a retirement date to get started.
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Then you need a plan even more. We’ll help you handle the exit with clarity, compassion, and care - for your people and your purpose. In the corporate world, this is called outplacement services. We happen to think outplacement doesn’t go far enough and unfortunately most ministry organizations have not even considered any of this.
Working With Us
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Schedule a confidential call. We’ll listen, assess, and map out the best next step for your situation - whether that’s for your board, your staff, or yourself.
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Always. Many of the leaders we serve are still in their roles and exploring next steps. Your inquiry stays private unless and until you choose otherwise.
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Yes. We believe life works best on frameworks - not formulas. Frameworks allow for nuance, and transitions are full of it. For both organizations and individuals, we offer a clear process of Awareness → Analysis → Activation, alongside strategic tools like our Transition Matrix and the Take Stock | Take Aim | Take Steps framework. We’ve developed approaches for nearly every kind of transition under the sun - and we’re still learning with every story.
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Most of our work happens virtually via Zoom, but we also travel for strategic engagements, retreats, conferences, and key onsite moments.
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Though we are a Christian-based organization, your organization doesn’t have to be for us to help. We believe that caring well for people during times of transition is for the greatest good - and if you value doing right by others, we can help you do that with wisdom, clarity, and care.
For Individuals In Transition
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Reach out. You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll help you process, stabilize, and take your next faithful step.
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Yes. Many leaders come to us while still discerning. We’ll walk with you through the fog—asking the right questions to clarify calling, timing, and next steps.
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Yes. We have a network of coaches who offer pastoral life coaching, financial coaching, and 360° life reviews. These are especially helpful during major transitions or vocational redirection.
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Not directly. But we’ve built a nationwide network of licensed Christian therapists who understand the weight of ministry leadership - and we’ll connect you with someone in your state.
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That’s more common than you think. We use a range of assessment tools to help you uncover your strengths, identify transferable skills, and discover new pathways forward. You might be surprised just how much of your ministry experience is valued in the marketplace. We’ll walk with you through resume updates, LinkedIn support, and targeted career coaching to help you take the next faithful step.
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Not at all. Whether you sense a call to stay in vocational ministry or step into something completely different, we’re here for it. Our job is to help you discern, not decide for you. Many of the leaders we serve find new purpose in the marketplace, nonprofit world, or entirely new ventures - and we help them get there with clarity and confidence.
Pricing & Support
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It depends on the service. Succession planning, organizational strategy, and career coaching are fee-based. Counseling referrals are billed by the licensed provider. When possible, we scholarship individual services thanks to donor support.
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No. We do everything in our power to minimize costs. We’ve never turned anyone away - and we don’t plan to start.
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We strongly encourage organizations to cover transition services for outgoing leaders. It’s a best practice that demonstrates care, preserves unity, and models healthy leadership. When no longer possible, we work with individuals to reduce or scholarship costs.
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Yes. We have a nonprofit arm that receives donations on behalf of outgoing leaders. Your gift helps them receive coaching, counseling, and career services without added financial strain. Your gift can be designated specifically for someone you know who is in transition, or for our general fund to help anyone who comes our way.
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We do everything in our power to put the person before the price. We have not yet found a situation where we couldn’t do at least something. Just ask. We’ll find a way to make it work.
Partnering & Participation
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Yes, and thank you. You can send them our contact form or podcast, or just connect them to us directly. We’ll take it from there.
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Yes. We consider our work to be “denominationally agnostic,” meaning, we work within systems to be a help, not draw theological lines in the sand. We’ve worked alongside denominational leaders, elder boards, and regional supervisors. We can customize services based on your structure.
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Yes. We speak on leadership transitions, healthy succession, and how to care for your team through change. Let’s talk about your audience and goals. Reach out to talk@ministrytransitions.com.
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Yes. Life After Ministry is available wherever you get your podcasts, and our blog covers timely, relevant insight into leadership, transition, and spiritual resilience.
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Yes! We’re always looking to grow our trusted network of counselors, coaches, spiritual directors, and outplacement specialists.