Episode 58 - Ministry Transitions Nobody Prepares You For (featuring Tim Stevens)
Telling stories of turning transition into transformation. There is Life After Ministry.
Episode Summary
Every ministry transition comes with both a push and a pull. Sometimes you’re drawn toward a new calling. Other times you simply know you can’t stay.
For Tim Stevens, those moments have shaped four decades of leadership in the church - and given him a front-row seat to hundreds of leaders navigating their own endings and beginnings.
In this conversation, Tim shares candidly about untangling his identity from the church he helped build, why pastors often stay too long, and how to navigate the grief and uncertainty that come with leaving.
From decades at Granger Community Church to crisis leadership at Willow Creek during COVID, Tim has lived through seasons that tested both his loyalty and his leadership instincts.
Now, through Leading Smart, he walks pastors and boards through governance challenges, succession planning, and leadership transitions.
Tim offers practical wisdom for both leaders in the second chair and those tasked with guiding major shifts - always with the reminder that ministry endings can be done in ways that protect people, preserve purpose, and prepare for what’s next.
Key Takeaways
The “push and pull” dynamic is present in every ministry transition.
Identity can become dangerously intertwined with a role - separation is painful but necessary.
Pastors often stay longer than they should due to loyalty, finances, or lack of vision for life after ministry.
Succession planning must start years in advance to avoid crisis moments.
Governance structures that worked for a smaller church may need major revision as the church grows.
Churches rarely have systems in place to care for staff after terminations or transitions.
Healthy endings require intentionality, outside support, and a willingness to let go.
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Pickleball, Notre Dame, and the start of the conversation
02:29 – Matt’s transition season and early connection with Tim
03:17 – Tim’s 40 years in ministry and five major transitions
06:55 – Leaving Granger: identity, co-dependence, and the year-long decision
13:06 – Lessons from Vanderbloemen: big vs. small church transitions
15:17 – Leading through crisis at Willow Creek during COVID
18:49 – The birth of Leading Smart and the work Tim does today
24:36 – The state of the American church and Gen Z trends
26:20 – Why pastors aren’t ready for succession - and how to prepare
28:33 – Outplacement and caring well for staff you have to let go
32:21 – How to connect with Tim and Leading Smart
If you’re in a season of transition - or see one on the horizon - visit MinistryTransitions.com to connect, give, or book a confidential call. And explore Tim’s work at LeadingSmart.com for coaching, consulting, and resources your church can put into action right now.
Find resources. Find hope.
This is a sanctuary for those who've experienced a transition out of church or nonprofit Christian leadership roles. Our mission is to provide a platform for sharing, learning, and growing through each other's experiences.
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Welcome to the Elder Hub, a platform designed to uplift, empower, and unite elders across Christian denominations. This group serves as support and guidance for those entrusted with the weighty responsibility of making critical decisions within churches and nonprofit ministries.
