Date of Award

3-6-2025

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Martina Hagler, DMin

Second Advisor

David McDonald, DMin

Third Advisor

Leonard I. Sweet, PhD

Abstract

Inspire Leadership Transitions is a digital platform designed to assist senior pastors, church leaders, and churches in navigating the complexities of senior leadership transitions, particularly within non-denominational churches. At its core is a free online transition course that blends biblical wisdom with research-driven insights, offering a strategic, accessible, and spiritually grounded approach to leadership transitions. This project responds to the critical need for effective transition planning as senior pastors age, and churches face a growing leadership crisis. Research shows that most transitions occur without a strategic plan, leading to challenges that could otherwise be avoided. While denominational churches often have established transition frameworks, non-denominational churches tend to lack these resources and support, which this project aims to address.

The NPO of this project is that in the 21st-century American church, there is a need for a strategic approach to senior leadership transitions within non-denominational churches to avoid transitional leadership derailers. Inspire Leadership + Transitions hopes to fill this gap by offering free, comprehensive resources that are both theologically sound and contextually relevant. The transition course is structured in three phases, beginning with an overview of the current landscape and progressing into biblical and theological foundations, with a focus on key transition narratives from Scripture. By examining transitions such as those between Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, and Jesus and His disciples, the course helps unlock timeless wisdom for church leaders today.

This platform is closely connected to my ministry context, serving as both a resource and an extension of my commitment to equip leaders for effective transition. As a pastor in a growing non-denominational church, I’ve seen the challenges that arise when transitions lack care and planning. Inspire Leadership Transitions seeks to empower churches to embrace leadership transitions with wisdom, prayer, and strategic planning.

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