A speaker presenting at a coaching event for church leaders in a conference room with an audience.

Passing the Mantle Well

Healthy Pastoral Transitions Masterclass

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A pastoral and practical guide for pastors, boards and churches to navigate this critical change with wisdom, clarity, hope and flourishing for all involved.

Lead pastor transitions are among the most defining moments in the life of a church. Done poorly, they can create confusion, hurt, and instability. Done well, they become a sacred moment of trust, shared discernment, joy and flourishing.

This workshop offers a practical and pastoral framework for navigating lead pastor change in ways that honour the outgoing pastor, safeguard the wellbeing of the church, and set the incoming pastor up for long-term fruitfulness.

Drawing on best practice, lived experience, and spiritual wisdom, we will explore how to structure a healthy transition that attends carefully to people and process, carried in prayer.

Participants will engage with the full lifecycle of a lead pastor transition, including:

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  • Clarifying roles, timelines, and governance responsibilities

  • Supporting the outgoing pastor with dignity, closure, and blessing

  • Caring for the emotional, relational, and spiritual health of the congregation

  • Creating space for discernment and trust during the “in-between” season

  • Preparing the ground well for the incoming pastor’s leadership and authority

  • Exploring stories of surprises. Creating process for dealing with the unexpected.

Interior view of a church with arched stained glass windows, wooden ceiling, and ornate woodwork along the upper walls.
People sitting in an auditorium attending a presentation on coaching for church leaders. A speaker stands on stage with a guitar beside him, and a projection displays the title of the session.

About the Workshop

HOW LONG IS THE WORKSHOP?‍

This Masterclass can be adapted to suit your context and needs in negotiation with our team. If you are interested in talking to us about what possibilities you have available to you get in touch.

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FACILITATOR - MATT LILLY

Director of the Laidlaw Centre for Church Leadership, Matt has been a church pastor for over 30 years. With degrees in Engineering and Christian Ministry, and a diverse background in church and business leadership, Matt has a breadth of leadership experience that he loves to pass on to see church leaders flourish. Matt recently transitioned out of the Lead Pastor role at Coast Vineyard Church, a church of around 700 people that he and his wife Jacinda started in 2013 in Orewa, Auckland.

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