5 Keys to Church Succession Planning by Bill Hybels

At a Global Leadership Summit, in recent years, Bill Hybels discussed the sensitive issue of succession planning. In typical Hybels style, he addressed it boldly, challenging leaders to "Turn over heaven and earth to make sure our churches are well led after we leave."

KEY #1: A great overall succession plan will have an extended planning phase

KEY #2: The right person must engage the pastor in the extended planning phase

KEY #3: The plan must outline how internal and external candidates will be considered

• At Willow Creek, they will thoroughly consider internal candidates first
• Hybels indicated that this creates excitement internally for potential candidates

KEY #4: You can't overestimate how deep emotions run for a pastor-leader

• This is heightened for founding pastors
• NOTE: You could sense Hybels discomfort in even addressing the subject
• Hybels predicts a generational flux of leaders will be tested in the next 10 years

KEY #5: Leaders must be challenged to leave a legacy

• Hybels was asked, "Are you going to die someday?"
• He was then asked, "Do you plan to lead Willow until the day you die?"
• Every leader knows that the greatest legacy is how the organization is led after them
• Hybels shared that he has more enthusiasm because he can "see the finish line"

If you are interested in learning more about succession planning, consider checking out Auxano's Succession Planning Toolbox. We will be conducting a 2-day "Bootcamp" in Dallas this August, to walk you and your team through the toolbox. Get more information on Auxano's Bootcamps.