“When the pastor leaves, there is often a time when persons who have been in leadership rethink their commitment and determine whether or not they want to continue in leadership positions. Other persons often find the interim time an opportunity to take leadership roles. This is an opportune time to empower those who are out of power and to welcome leadership gifts from all parts of the congregation.”
(Loren B. Mead, Critical Moment of Ministry: A Change of Pastors)
"Don't follow leaders, watch the parking meters”
(Bob Dylan, “Subterranean Homesick Blues”)
“… whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.’”
(Matthew 20:26-28)
If you watched the HBO series “Succession” you witnessed the twists and turns and ruthlessness that passing on leadership can entail. While fictional, the power plays that accompany the passing of the torch can, all too often, be very real.
Transitions in congregational leadership are not (usually!) as messy or dramatic but transitions in leadership do bring to the fore human dynamics worth consideration. People are people whether they be saints or regular folk, and people–while thinking beings (sapiens)–are still animals who act irrationally more than we might want to admit. Congregants can act selfishly especially when the social group is in flux.
Pet projects of the former pastor may seems less important when they are gone. Some people, whose voice dominated discussions when the Pastor was there, may be more quiet during the interim. Others, sensing an opportunity to be an influencer, raise their voice during the transition.
Interim work is attuned social biases and the human tendency to sin. Listening to only one voice, only one idea, only one agenda isn’t helpful when discerning leadership needs in a congregation. We Presbyterians have historically claimed that the voice of the Spirit is best heard when many voices are heard.
Shifts in power or leadership provide opportunities for people to be heard who may not have spoken or been heard previously. Somewhat paradoxically, leaders listen first and speak later. Kinda like Jesus leading by serving.