In this issue, we examine pastoral succession and church leadership with practical wisdom for elders, pastors, and congregations. We explore pastoral succession through biblical reflection, ministry experience, and clear counsel on planning, transition, retirement, and leadership handoff. Alongside this central theme, we address preaching, cultural engagement, and ministry encouragement for today’s church.
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Succession | Christian Standard, January/February 2026
January 1, 2026
Publication Date
This issue of Christian Standard examines pastoral succession with biblical insight and practical guidance for churches, pastors, and elders preparing for faithful leadership transition.
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Succession | Christian Standard, January/February 2026
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Display Date:
January/February 2026
Volume:
CLXI
Issue Number:
1
Publication Location:
Parker, CO
Issue Year:
2026
Table of Contents (if available):
2-3 From the Publisher
6-7 From the Editor
10-11 e2: Effective Elders
Succession and the Church
Curtis McGinnis
14-15 Engage
Obergefell, Kim Davis, and Same-Sex Marriage . . . Reflecting on the Last 10 Years
Tyler McKenzie
18-19 Preach
Preach the Real Gospel
Chris Philbeck
22-23 Metrics
Bridging the Leadership Gap: Essential Steps for Church Succession
Kent E. Fillinger
34 Succession: The Things You Need to Know but Others Won’t Tell You
Jerry Harris
42 Leading Through the Hand-Off: Lessons in Pastoral Transition
Shan Moyers
48 Pastoral Transition: Succession or Interim?
Greg Comp
54 Succession: When It Works, When It Doesn’t
Ken Idleman
60 Elders! Help Put the “Success” in Succession!
Gary Johnson
66 A Pastor's Wife's Perspective
Denise Harlow
72 How Do You Retire When Your Successor Ain’t Ready?
Tyler McKenzie
86-87 Motivate
Serving in the Shadows
David Faust
88-97 Ministry Edge
Compelling
John Hampton
Thriving
David Vaughan
Nurturing
Michelle Maris
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Tags
Chris Philbeck, Christian Standard, church leadership, Curtis McGinnis, David Faust, David Vaughan, Denise Harlow, Doug Crozier, e2: effective elders, Effective Elders, elder leadership, Elders, Gary Johnson, Greg Comp, Interim Ministry, Jerry Harris, John Hampton, Josh Means, Ken Idleman, Kent E. Fillinger, Kim Davis, Michelle Maris, Ministry Edge, Ministry Leadership, Obergefell v. Hodges, Pastoral Succession, pastoral transition, Religious Liberty, Retirement, retirement in ministry, Same-sex marriage, Shan Moyers, Shawn McMullen, Succession, The Solomon Foundation, Tyler McKenzie
