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Posted by: A. Glenn Brady	8/2/2007
There is something about wisdom & maturity that allows you to see the need to remove yourself from a position when you are no longer relative or productive in the office you serve. However, sometimes age does not always bring that wisdom & maturity. I have seen too many cases when a church, council, organization or even a Sunday school class becomes stagnant and dies because leadership held on to a position too long. I guess this subject became poignant to me upon my return from the annual session of an organization that I’m honored to serve as an officer. Legislation was offered to set an age as a point when a person must surrender a particular office. Of course, it did not pass because the vast majority of those over that age limit (or near it) voted against it and those that new the legislation should be passed did not want to appear to their “senior colleagues” as to voting them out. When in reality, many that serve in the office have outlived their usefulness and have already seen their better days of productivity and purposefulness. To paraphrase one that commented, “it took me too long to get in the office, that now you want to kick me out.” The arbitrary selection of a numeric benchmark, does not mean everyone has fulfilled their purpose at that age, but maturity and wisdom allows one to see that their time of service is complete. When a person serves in an office beyond their usefulness, not only does it hinder growth and development for the organization they lead, but it becomes a roadblock for those that God has prepared to serve and fulfill their purpose! Remember, Jesus said, "I go* to prepare a place for you."* One must vacate an office for another to occupy the same. Remember the old physics axiom, two objects cannot occupy the same place at the same time. What makes a person want to hold on to a position or office when all the signs are there that they are no longer beneficial or useful? Help me out somebody. There is something about wisdom & maturity that can recognize the scripture, “To every thing there is a season, and a time* to every purpose under the heaven.”* (Ecclesiastes 3:1) A subject for a future discussion, should pastors retire to die in the pulpit? Be blessed and I pray that I can always recognize my time!

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Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?	By Deb Shye on 8/2/2007
It appears to be human nature to be impressed by the position or office one holds. It is quite common to tie one's self-worth to one's vocation. I believe you can more readily recognize and accept when a particular season of your life is over, if you don't allow yourself to be defined by your vocation (the position or office that you occupy).

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By Eric Payne on 8/2/2007

Wow! You too... there are soo many people who believe that they should die in office, not realizing that they are killing generations as a result of either a lack of leadership or that their time is passed. Wisdom and maturity says that God put you in the position and he intends for you to look for your successor as you serve, lead and develop others around you. I think a lack of security is the main problems for some while others such as Pastors may want to hang on because of income. Old school Pastors did not prepare to retire. I have seen many churches suffer because leadership either refuses to let go or feel as if they can not trust anyone. Wisdom and maturity says that if the ministry is vibrant income will not be a problem. Also wisdom and maturity says that if you do not prepare or designate a leader to fufil your duties it creates confusion and speculation. Saints fight and some feel they deserve the position more than others. Leadership changes and lack of it has split many churches. A change in leadership always brings some initial shakeups and turmoil or misunderstandings. Leadership as they near the end of their tenure should make it plain to all involved who he wants to succeed him and the reasons why. It will not prevent jealousy or stop some from becoming anger and leave the church. You can’t please everyone, so you must please God and he will stamp his approval upon the choice. For others letting go of leadership is a pride issue or even power trip. When you can no longer see progress , it is key to me when that .

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?	By A. Glenn Brady on 8/2/2007
Eric, I do agree with your comments, but should not leadership seek God's mind for a successor? Are not the results the same when a leader choses or names a family member or friend as their successor -- who is not God's choice? (For my readers, do a little scriptural research and see who was named king of Israel after the death of King Saul. Hint - it wasn't David.)

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?	By LCR on 8/3/2007
Unfortunately, many can't understand the damage that is being done to remain in a position beyond their years. To step down doesn't mean they are put to pasture -- there are so many other meaningful and valuable work that can be done from a retirement role (i.e. mentoring, teaching, book writing) rather than the day-to-day operations, when others are qualified and called.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By David E. Foster, Jr. on 8/3/2007

I applaud the conscientious audacity of your blog on this particular subject, as this issue has become the cancer that eats away at the foundation of many long-standing organizations. Unfortunately, this issue comes to bear in the Body of CHRIST because many "religious" organizations have stepped away from GODLY appointments, and the "Offices" of the Church nothing more than "political" appointments. The danger here is some of these appointments are not confirmed, nor affirmed by GOD, and they cannot help but choose the fleshly design of "mine for life!" I agree with so many others, and in seeing this practice continue, and constantly erode the foundation of what was once, and could still be a great Body, I wonder when do we take GOD at HIS Word, which says, Jer 3:15," And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding."
I feel that leaders fall into this category, and if GOD is directing them, then they will not only know when their time is over, but will have prepared, and trained others to take the "vision" to another dimension. [To the question on the King of Israel, it was Ishbosheth II Samueal 2:9]

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By C. A. T. Sr. on 8/3/2007

I must commend you for the courage to speak out on a subject that will not be to poplular to the powers that be.
It is unfortunate that many do not see that their time has passed and it is better for the whole to pass the batone and still remain in His Grace.
I also agree that many have to hold on for the financial security which has caused another great problem. Perhaps we should play the song from Kenny Rogers, know when to hold up, know when to fold up and know when to walk away.
Success without a successor is failure.
Keep doing doing what you are doing and know it is not in vain.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By Eric Payne on 8/4/2007

Yes I thoroughly believe that the successor should be God chosen. That was an interesting fact you challenged us with from 2 Sam. I need to study the passage more to comment, but the people was split and between Judah and Israel. Two houses 2 leaders as I see it from the surface. It was a civil war among the people of God which is also another topic. In this case both men were capable, but who was willing to submit or who did God chose? As all has said it is all about allowing the choice of God to go forth. Building the kingdom of God is a unique work. It does not follow the norms of society or corporate guidelines. For example seniority or popularity does not mean you are God’s choice, in David’s case he was the popular choice for Judah and was recognized as being a future great while in the slums of being a keeper of sheep. Interesting topic and should be thought provoking in the minds of leadership both young and old.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By MCS on 8/6/2007

Glenn, I am torn between honoring the bridges that brought us over and the need to build new bridges. As I age, I fear being put out to pasture. Yet, I know that there is an energy and vitality to youth that I will never regain. For me, the question is not whether someone steps down, but when will I step out and have the courage to do what God has called me to do. No one needs to leave their post or this earth for me to fulfill my purpose in God. Man-made institutions have no power over those who are confident that He who began a good work in them will finish it. Sometimes we give people more authority than they truly have. You don't need the PAW to further your walk with God. You only need to continue doing what He called you to do and God Himself will continue to exalt you. Keep your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things, ambitions, institutions and successes of this world will look strangely dim in the light of His glorious grace.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By A. Glenn Brady on 8/6/2007

MCS, you should never fear ever being "put out to pasture." As was noted by another above -- you move into another realm of purpose. One can move from an active role dealing with day-to-day operations, to a role of mentoring, teaching, or writing. When a person is confident of their position in God, they need not fear to "step out" to do what God has called. You speak about honoring the bridges that brought us over and the need to build new bridges. How apropos. We just experienced a bridge that collapsed because it could not handle the traffic of a new age. When it was built, it was able to sustain the weight for that period of time. However, inspectors even recognized that the time of the bridge effectiveness was in question and that it was not structurally sound with cracks beginning to form -- but for whatever reasons, nothing was done. Lives were lost as a result. The reality is we all must take courage and recognize when to move from a "spoken" word of a previous call to a "proceeding" word for a future call.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By B. E. T on 8/6/2007

We applaud your “nothing to lose attitude.” You present “present-day” discussions that give us all hope, that there is a generation of leaders who are keenly aware of the times. According to I Chronicles 12:32, the Sons of Issachar “understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” In many religious organizations succession is a bad word. I have been blessed to sit under fantastic leadership both secularly and spiritually. Oftentimes in the secular arena, in large corporations, succession is decided by a committee of people. In the spiritual arena, because many leaders own the buildings where they lead, no such committee can be formed. This speaks volumes about their ability to lead even after some have become deathly ill or death itself. Primarily, in the African American community, our fore-leaders were subjected to all sorts of racial biases and pure injustice. The church was the one place these leaders could go and lead and make a living without an outside force controlling and manipulating their decisions. It is that “state of independence” that rules the decision “not to step down” even after they have left their viability. As has already been stated, they are leading now because they didn’t prepare. A few face economic hardships, others just enjoy the power and control. Others have to continue to lead because of attrition of the members they led. As one young man stated, “it is what it is.” If the leader does not stay in charge, that leader has no voice, does not eat, does not have a place to live, and will have nothing to wear. This is a sad “state of affairs.” So we must pray that the next generation of present leaders, do not fall into that same “state of affairs.”

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By Lynne on 8/6/2007

Please allow me to respond to this question from the perspective of the one who is being told or viewed they need to step down. I vigorously answer, “And…Says WHO?” Too often I have been, and yes admittedly participated, in discussions when I am scrutinizing, criticizing and deciding that it is time that so-and-so needs to retire, step-down, give-up, see-the-light or pass-the-torch. This discussion was perpetuated and propagated by those in my “clan” who deemed that the person’s usefulness had expired and was now “in the way” of progress and visionary pursuits. Their removal, of course, would be for the good of the people and the future of the organization. My comrades and I believed that just damaging and pernicious conversations were considered permissible, even excusable, as are thoughts were prefaced that it was not malicious in nature, but innocently conceived as we were concerned about God’s program and His people! Pahleeze! I have come to realize that my view of someone out-living their usefulness in a position was because my ideas, wants and desires were either different than theirs or because I simply wanted someone else in their position. They were simply in the way —not of progress— but how fast I wanted progress. Over the years, God has quieted my rumblings and grumblings. I have seen Him work in ways that astonish all. I was at a church when such lively complaints centered on the senior pastor and that if he just retired then the progressive assistant pastor would take the realm. But, it so happened that both the pastor and his assistant died within four months of each other. Another rose from the congregation whom we never considered and the church as progressed ever since. The Bible says there is one who judgeth, in Psalms 75:7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another (KJV); 1 Samuel 2:7 "The LORD makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts; Daniel 2:21 "It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings…(NASB).

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By A. Glenn Brady on 8/6/2007

Come on Lynne, Let's have a reality check! The issue at question is when everyone knows (accept the leader) that either due to health reasons or mental capacity the leader know longer has the ability to lead. Age alone does not dictate removal. There are some leaders well in their 80's who still have a sharp mind, good state of health and are well capable of leading. The issue at hand is when the leader can come to grips to understand that their time has passed! When the prophet Elijah's time of leadership was over, the Lord directed him to go and anoint Elisha to take his place! (Check out 1 Kings 19:14-16). In the plan of succession, God instructed Elijah to prepare and train Elisha to take his place. That's the issue of this dialogue -- when the leader understands to let someone else take the reins through a divine plan of succession.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By AJB on 8/6/2007

As a young adult I will agree that there is a time when someone should step down from a leadership position within their calling. This does not mean that that have to step totally out of the calling but just as AGB has stated, when a new age is approaching, new leadership should then too. I am twenty years old and there is know way a 75 year old woman can go a do something as simple as picking out clothing attire for me. She may have been a "fox" in her day but she would probably have me looking crazy. But if she still has a passion for fashion, maybe she would be a greater assistant to those of an older generation and someone closer to my age can inform me how a "young" Christian woman should dress for todays generation. This is an example of not stepping out of a calling but shifting roles which is needed as time shifts (of course I had to use fashion as an example;).

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?	By Dr Earl Parchia Jr. on 8/6/2007
I have read most of these very intelligent and well thought out discussions on when to step down as a Pastor or church leader. As a child and now growing up in the Oldest Oneness Pentecostal (Organism), I have observed several and many different pastoral

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?	By Dr Earl Parchia Jr. on 8/6/2007
I have read most of these very intelligent and well thought out discussions on when to step down as a Pastor or church leader. As a child and now growing up in the Oldest Oneness Pentecostal (Organism), I have observed several and many different pastoral

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?	By A. Glenn Brady on 8/7/2007
B.E.T., your comments above are commendable. Perhaps, I'll take the courage one day soon to discuss what happens when a church or local place of worship unfortunately becomes the "family business" of the pastor & leaders of the church; and consequently plan the future of the church to maintain it as a "family business" without regard to any spiritual or divine direction.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By Carlton Francis on 8/8/2007

I applaud the boldness displayed to approach a subject as sensitive as this. The lack of insight in this area in any organization, whether they be corporate or Christ centered leads to a state of complacency. At some stage leadership comes to the point where their vision has been realized, not only the vision but God's designed purpose for that individual, (Moses vs Joshua). I often think, what a wonderful site for some of our leaders if they were able to view what God does when the baton is handed off to the inevitable successor. The sad commentary is that this normally happens when the "first leader" is "gone on to glory". When to step down? I believe that God in his infinite wisdom is speaking to our leaders and providing direction but this direction is being ignored. If in fact people perish when vision is lacking or has been realized, could this account for the lack of gowth or the reduction in numbers for many of our churches?

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?	By B.E.T on 8/8/2007
Bishop A. Glenn Brady, I look forward to the "family business" blog. I am interested in reading how those dynamics work.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By Dr.Earl Parchia Jr. on 8/9/2007

So Sorry about the last unfinished comment of mine. My Laptop disconnected at an inconvient time.
I have observed many different pastoral structures in regard to their influence over their congregations and leadership boards. Rarely will you find a larger or mega church lacking the leadership in making sure the successor suceeds. I have often heard it said "The Pastor is not a success until his successor succeeds". Or said another way, "The Pastor is not as successful until one is chosen to succeed! What it's all about is God giving Pastors after his heart. It's all about the feeding of the sheep and the Leadership being led of the Lord at crucial times in his or her ministry to hear the mind of God regarding the passing of the pastoral baton. I do believe there are so many who do hold on until their influence either melts away or becomes melded to a surviving mode. I watched recently (one of those rare times), where a truly powerful pentecostal leader and pulpiteer never made a move for a successor, rather waitng on "God to provide" and the board to ratify. That church has suffered greatly and the sheep are scattered to younger pastors in that city, who have built new churches and ministries with seasoned saints who needed leadership at their own new church left by that pastor. I also witnessed another great leader and one of our greatest teachers leave his pastorship and travel from church to church teaching and ministering to all, many of our great Apostolic doctrines.He greatly blessed his church, (by choosing his successor), his organization and hundreds of congregations throughout the world. Suf Bishop Brady has left us a great question that must be pondered. I wonder if someone has done some case studies?

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By BDW on 10/6/2007

In response to your question should Pastors retire to die in office... God said, I will give you pastors after my own heart. This reveals and confirms the obvious that a person is choosen by God to be a Pastor and that God gives this "chosen vessel" to a flock to pastor. We could safely assume that one would have to step down when God says to step down. One would have to pass the baton when God says to pass the baton. For we are created for His glory, His purposes, His will... and not our own. I truly believe that God will inform a Pastor, whether it during his/her pastoralship, or towards the end of his/her tenure, what His will is concerning a successor. We have to keep in mind that it is God who is doing the choosing not man. It is God who is orchestrating the transition of a predecessor and a successor in terms of patoralship not man. In the Old testament we have Moses whose successor was Joshua. God told Moses to get up to Mt. Ab'-a'rim, to see the land he gave to the children of Israel. He told him when you have seen it you shall be gathered unto thy people. In other words...you are going to die. Moses having a heart for God's people and God's work asked God to set a man over the congregation. Numbers 27:12-23 And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying, Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation. Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in;that the congreation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd. And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him. And set him before E-le-a'zar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. And he shall stand before E-le-a'-zar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgement of U'-rim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him: and he took Joshua and set him before E-le-a'-zar the priest, and before the whole congregation: And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses. When God chooses another leader/pastor...he will known.....and His choice. When viewing whether or not they are no longer beneficial or useful....Wouldn't that be God's responsibility?

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?	By A. Glenn Brady on 10/25/2007
BDW, I certainly agree with your position. The point of the issue is what happens when a person ignores (or worst) does not know God is telling them it is time to step down? As you inidcated, there was a transition period for the changing of the guard. Often, I see no acknowledgment and no preparation for succession.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?	By A. Glenn Brady on 10/25/2007
BDW, I certainly agree with your position. The point of the issue is what happens when a person ignores (or worst) does not know God is telling them it is time to step down? As you inidcated, there was a transition period for the changing of the guard. Often, I see no acknowledgment and no preparation for succession.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?

By Joshua Goins on 11/1/2007

Greetings, what an excellent topic to consider. Well in the corparate world, anytime an individual is no longer able to effectively complete there job duties, then it is at that time that they are removed, replaced or released. In a situation such as mine, I'm a buisiness owner. So naturally I would make that decission. In a ministry or leadership setting, it is true that whom ever God has ordained should be in position, but the issue may be the structure of the organization. Is it setup for a successor, or is that not considered until a problem presents itself to cause a suddent change in leadership. I believe that the person in question should make clear to those whom he/she pastors, God's purpose and vision for both the ministry and their position. If it is clear and avalible, then one can't help but notice when a lack or falling of becomes evident. I believe that if you are still living then you still have purpose, but knowing what that purpose is, is the key to stepping down or stepping up. Sometimes stepping down is stepping up. But only God can say.

Re: WHEN TO STEP DOWN?	By Peggy Goldsmith on 6/19/2009
Well my Brother, then when should one not step down!

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