This article continues a conversation on generative leadership and encouraging others to step into leadership roles, ensuring that the organization remains dynamic and adaptable. You can read more in the first article here.

 

Moving towards cultivating generative leadership within a church or any organization requires practical steps to ensure that this approach takes root in a way that is both respectful of established leaders and welcoming to emerging voices. This is a core value for doing this work. For congregations where the same people have held leadership roles for decades, the stakes of shifting to a more generative model can feel especially high. The small pool of volunteers, the strong sense of ownership, and the deep commitment of longstanding leaders can make any transition challenging.

In my own congregation, where many leaders have held their positions for over twenty years, the shift toward generative leadership required patience, empathy, and strategic action over the course of three years. Here are some practical steps that helped facilitate this process and may be useful for other church communities.

1. Begin with conversations - not directives

Changing long-standing structures begins with open, respectful conversations. Over three years, we held many conferences, focusing on acknowledging the invaluable contributions of these dedicated leaders. We wanted our leaders to understand that generative leadership is not a criticism of their work but an invitation to build a legacy by mentoring and empowering new voices.

In these discussions, we emphasized that this transition is about the future health of the congregation. Reassurance was key—time and time again, I needed to emphasize that no one was being pushed out; rather, we sought to honor their work by ensuring it would continue to flourish. Open, ongoing dialogue where permitted, gave space for questions and concerns, reducing resistance and fostering trust. In my context, there was an occasion where a member would shift the subject away from any suggestion of a change in that member’s role. Eventually, a directive was needed. Leaders will need to discern when such actions are necessary for the larger good of the work. 

 

2. Emphasize the power of passing on wisdom

Many longstanding leaders worry that stepping aside will mean their wisdom is lost, or that they will become irrelevant and forgotten. I understand this to be real and I framed generative leadership as an opportunity to pass on their unique insights to the next generation, assuring them that they are not stepping down and away, but stepping into a new role as mentors. We want this to happen in our churches, because no single person should be the only holder of information and wisdom in any organization. So, by creating avenues for mentorship, such as pairing newer leaders with experienced ones, the elders could see the value in sharing their knowledge.

This shift not only honored their legacy but also demonstrated that they were valued for who they are, not just the role they hold. It became about the gift of seeing their impact continue through others. 

 

3. Encourage incremental involvement

For some congregations, immediately replacing long-term leaders may be impractical or overwhelming. An alternative could be to encourage these leaders to gradually share their responsibilities. In my first year at my current congregation, even though I learned that leaders had been serving in the same role for more than twice the recommended three-year time frame, I asked them to remain for another year and help me to bring on new voices and gifts. This could look different in another context. It may mean inviting new voices to sit in on decision-making meetings or co-lead events. Allowing newer leaders to “test the waters” in a supportive environment builds confidence on both sides and allows veteran leaders to adjust to a more shared model of leadership. Personally, I am a strong advocate of shared leadership.

In the congregation where I am serving, the tension between the newcomers and the veterans was obvious. This is certainly not unique to my setting. It is part of the human experience. I also saw that as new faces joined in even minor ways, both established and emerging leaders experienced the benefits of shared workload and fresh ideas, even if reluctantly. This incremental approach eased the congregation into the shift without too abrupt a change – though it may still feel abrupt to some. 

 

4. Foster empathy, curiosity, and compassion

As pastors and facilitators, leading a generative shift requires deep listening, empathy, and curiosity. Take time to truly hear the concerns of longstanding leaders. Understand why they feel connected to their roles and as much as you are given the opportunity to listen or talk, do so with compassion to the personal or communal reasons they might resist the specific change.

Curiosity goes hand in hand with empathy. Ask questions that invite introspection: “What legacy do you hope to leave?” or “How might you feel knowing your work will continue through the hands of others?” Also, “Why do you feel this way about this?” By centering the conversation around their hopes and dreams for the congregation’s future, you can help leaders see the value of welcoming new perspectives. When I asked a member, “What does this congregation want?” I was told, “We just want our church.” I offered multiple opportunities for the member to share more about what was meant. I concluded that there was deep fear of losing their church. As illogical as this may seem, it real and paralyzing for some people. Walk carefully. 

 

5. Celebrate the new contributions

As new leaders step into roles, celebrate their contributions and highlight how they complement the church’s mission. Publicly acknowledging both the longstanding leaders and the fresh perspectives coming in reinforces the value of generative leadership in action. This visibility encourages others in the congregation to consider their own potential as future leaders.

In our church, the change brought visible results. Today, our leadership slate includes new faces, fresh ideas, and different leadership styles. More voices are now part of the decision-making process, and come January, longstanding leaders can now enjoy seeing the work flourish with additional support. This shared approach will make the work of the church richer and more inclusive. 

 

6. Normalize leadership rotation as a healthy practice

One of the lasting challenges in shifting to generative leadership is making leadership rotation a normalized part of congregational life. Instead of seeing it as a loss of power or influence, rotating leadership roles can be celebrated as a way to keep the church vibrant and resilient. Set term limits with the understanding that, while leaders may step back after a period, they remain valued mentors and members of the community.

Generative leadership is both a structural change and a cultural shift. In congregations with deeply rooted leaders, such a shift requires patience, intentionality, and compassion. Pastors can play a crucial role by showing that leadership change is not a critique but an act of faith in the future.

In my experience, the journey toward generative leadership has enriched our church community. It is challenging work that has evoked some unpleasant encounters. It is also empowered long-serving leaders to step into mentorship roles, introduced new voices into our work, and fostered a collaborative spirit that I pray will energize our entire congregation. Generative leadership invites us all to see our roles not so much as positions to hold onto but as gifts to be shared, passed along, and multiplied for the good of the church.

As a way to mark the shift towards generative leadership, I wrote a simple liturgy complete with a physical baton that was passed from outgoing to incoming chairs. The liturgy is below. (Names have been removed):

Pastor: This is a significant occasion. We are reminded that leadership within the church is a sacred calling and a manifestation of the diverse gifts bestowed by God. As we seek to enact this and think more broadly about how it looks in our community, we echo the words of Scripture, celebrating the spirit of unity and mutual edification that binds us together in our service to God and each other.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (Read by a long-standing leader)
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

For all leaders

Prayer: Gracious and everlasting God, we ask you to bless our siblings who today step into their new and continuing roles of leadership. Empower them with your Spirit, that they may serve your church with love, wisdom, and a spirit of true cooperation.

Leaders: With grateful hearts, we accept the responsibilities entrusted to us. Inspired by faith and committed to our community, we pledge to uphold our duties with dedication and seek God’s guidance in all our decisions.

Pastor: I welcome all of you with open hearts and the promise of my steadfast prayerful support. Together, we must commit to work in unity and love, advancing the mission of our church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Passing of the Baton

Outgoing Board Chair: With deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve, I now pass this baton to (person’s name), trusting that our leadership’s legacy will continue with vigor and vision under his guidance. (holds out baton to incoming leader)

Incoming Board Chair: (holds other end of baton) Accepting this baton, I am mindful of the sacred trust we all share in this leadership. Together, we shall strive to fulfill our calling, nurturing the faith and fellowship of our congregation.

Prayer of blessing for incoming leadership

Pastor: Lord of wisdom and grace, bless these incoming leaders, all who assume new responsibilities, and those who will continue to walk alongside them. Endow them with your gifts of grace and courage, that they may lead by your Spirit as living examples of your love and justice.

All Present: We affirm our support and prayers for each other. May our community represent Christ’s examples, and a place of welcome and growth for all people.

Closing:

Chorus: “Here I Am, Lord.”

Benediction: May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Go forth in unity and purpose, empowered to serve with joy. Amen.

For more reflections on ministry, generative leadership, and scripture, follow Andrea at www.bafflingbible.blogspot.com.