Date

10-2012

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Charlie Davidson

Primary Subject Area

Religion, Clergy; Religion, General; Religion, Philosophy of

Keywords

Church Transition, Nepotism, Pastoral Ministry, Succession

Disciplines

Christianity | Ethics in Religion | Practical Theology | Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

A son who follows in his fathers' footsteps is not unique to many situations but it is to the office of pastor of the local church. Such a succession raises several questions: Is this a call of God, or the passing on of a dynasty? Is this a healthy transition for a church to consider? What are the associated problems and benefits? What biblical foundations should be considered? Are there common factors that make this transition successful? It is evident that unique planning and caution is necessary that is different from other successions patterns of pastoral ministry. This paper will answer these questions by highlighting the authors' personal experience with such a succession at the Northside Baptist Church and surveying others who have made this transition, and by looking at the business world for transferable principles.

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