Clergy Succession

Navigate pastoral transitions with confidence and grace.

Whether you're a denominational leader guiding multiple congregations, a pastor approaching retirement, or a staff-parish relations team preparing for succession, Planned Successions for Pastors offers the clarity and tools you need for a Spirit-led transition.

Jim Ozier brings his signature practical wisdom—direct, actionable, and grounded in real ministry experience. With ready-to-use checklists, timetables, and evaluation charts, you'll find a clear roadmap for intentional succession planning that honors both the outgoing pastor's legacy and the congregation's future.

Stan Copeland shares his own journey as a retiring long-time pastor with refreshing honesty and pastoral warmth. His personal reflections help you see your own situation more clearly, offering encouragement and guidance for the emotional and spiritual dimensions of transition that often go unaddressed.

While Lover's Lane United Methodist Church provides the book's case study, the principles and processes work beautifully for churches of every size. In fact, smaller congregations, where pastoral transitions can feel especially vulnerable, will find this guidance particularly valuable.

With the purchase of Planned Successions for Pastors, readers also receive access to the following extras:
1. Relatable stories from the authors that will resonate with anyone navigating pastoral succession
2. Printable checklists
3. Other planning tools

More than a manual, it's a trusted companion for one of the most significant seasons for a church.