I’ve only seen two pastoral transitions in my life that have made me envious – C.J. Mahaney with Josh Harris (Covenant Life Church); and John Cha with Dihan Lee (Open Door Presbyterian Church). There was something about each of these transitions that celebrated the faithfulness of God and inspired hopeful expectation as to how God would continue to lead and provide. Each of these transitions happened for the good of the church and the good of the men involved. You could taste the mutual respect and love that each had for the other. I hope to God that one day I too should be a part of something like that!
The Gospel Coalition recently addressed the topic of pastoral succession. I wonder how bigger churches with “bigger” pastors will do this (ie: Tim Keller or John Piper).
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/24634442 w=400&h=225]
As well, a well-respected pastor (and close family friend) wrote this book with his successor on transitioning pastoral leadership for his church of 40,000. It’s written in Korean though.
You can read about their English profiles here.