The Elephant in the Boardroom: Speaking the Unspoken about Pastoral Transitions (J-B Leadership Network Series)

"Carolyn Weese and J. Russell Crabtree - experts in the field of church leadership - have written a nuts-and-bolts guide to developing a succession plan for smoothing pastoral transitions. Filled with strategies and solid advice, this handy resource is based in solid research and the authors' many years of experience working with churches in a wide variety of denominations. Weese and Crabtree clearly show that leadership succession should be part of every church's planning process." "Using assessment tools and quizzes, the book walks church leaders through the process of identifying their particular church's culture type and creating a succession plan that will meet their congregation's needs. Firmly rooted in biblical principles and the best management thinking, The Elephant in the Boardroom puts the focus on health, asset building, and resiliency. Its many illustrative examples from real-life situations and solid explanations offer elders, deacons, board members, and other lay leaders a how-to manual for planning, preparing, and executing a leadership transition."--BOOK JACKET.

Step-by-Step Guidance for Acknowledging the Elephant in Your Boardroom

"Carolyn Weese and Russ Crabtree have done churches a great service in breaking the curious silence about pastoral transition, perhaps the most serious threat to churches in the less institutionalized twenty-first-century world. Here you will find the reality-based principles that lead to strategic succession."
–Bob Buford, founder and chairman, Leadership Network, Dallas, Texas, and author, Half-Time

"This is an invaluable book for pastors, lay leaders, and members about how to handle pastoral transition with sensitivity, creativity, and excellence. It not only preserves the church, but enables it to grow and grasp the full potential of the future. This book utilizes profound biblical principles and the finest modern management strategy. I highly recommend this practical and profound book filled with insights and wisdom."
–Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie, president, Dunamis Christian Ministries, Inc., Hollywood, California

"At last, qualified authorities in church leadership have taken on the question of transition in a thoughtful way. Crabtree and Weese have supplied a carefully reasoned approach to an event that so often causes major problems for churches–replacing their leader. This book is well written and badly needed."
–Rev. Dennis McCallum, lead pastor, Xenos Christian Fellowship, Columbus, Ohio

"All of the personal and professional hot button issues involved in a pastoral transition are addressed in this book. They don’t just point out the pitfalls, they show us how to get out of them!"
–Dr. David G. McKechnie, pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church, Houston, Texas

Carolyn Weese and J. Russell Crabtree—experts in the field of church leadership—have written a nuts-and-bolts guide to developing a succession plan for smoothing pastoral transitions. Filled with strategies and solid advice, this handy resource is based in solid research and the authors' many years of experience working with churches in a wide variety of denominations. Weese and Crabtree clearly show that leadership succession should be part of every church's planning process.

Consultants Carolyn Weese and Russell Crabtree explain how churches can plan for and make the best of the circumstances when a pastor moves on. Step by step, with assessment tools and quizzes, the book shows congregations how to identify their culture type, create a succession plan appropriate for their style, and develop ways to equip and sustain the church during staff turnover. --From publisher's description. With step-by-step advice and assessment tools, this title explains how churches can successfully plan, prepare, and execute a leadership transition when a pastor moves on. The fact that you have picked up this book and begun to read it says something about you.