Why Great Leaders Know When to Pass the Baton

Written by Jim Sheppard | Jul 17, 2025 5:56:47 PM

Let’s be honest:

There’s a point in every leader’s life when the bravest move isn’t charging forward—it’s stepping aside.

Not because the mission has changed.
Not because you’ve run out of vision.
But because the role you’ve played needs to evolve - for the sake of the mission, and for the good of the people carrying it forward.

Most leaders don’t like talking about succession. Especially in ministry, the line between “calling” and “identity” can get blurry. We don’t just do the work - we carry it. And after years of pouring our hearts into something, the idea of handing it off feels… unthinkable.

But here’s the truth:
Healthy succession isn’t a threat to great leadership. It’s the evidence of it.

I know this firsthand.

After decades as CEO of Generis, I recently handed the baton to Frank Bealer - my friend, teammate, and now, our new CEO. I moved into a new role as Chairman, where I still get to influence and guide - but from a different seat.

This wasn’t a quick decision. It wasn’t about titles or timing or age. It was about obedience. It was about trusting that the next chapter of Generis didn’t need more of me - it needed what only Frank could bring.

And here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Succession Isn’t an Exit Strategy. It’s a Leadership Discipline.

Waiting until you're “ready” to leave is too late. Great leaders think succession early and often. Not because they’re planning their escape, but because they’re building something that lasts. If you're not intentionally raising up future leaders, you're not leading - you're just managing a moment.

2. Your Successor Shouldn’t Be a Clone.

If the next leader has to imitate you to succeed, you didn’t raise up a leader - you trained a mimic. True succession means continuity of mission, not personality. Make room for the new leader to lead in their own voice. And cheer them on, publicly and privately.

3. Trust Is the Bridge—Not the Plan.

You can have the best succession strategy in the world, but if trust isn’t present, it’ll collapse. Your people need to see that you trust your successor. That trust becomes the currency the team trades in during the transition. No trust? No chance.

4. You’ll Feel Things. That’s Okay.

Succession can stir up all kinds of emotion - grief, pride, joy, fear, even a bit of envy. That’s part of the process. Let yourself feel it. Celebrate what’s been. Honor what’s changing. And thank God for what’s next.

If you’re a church leader sensing something stirring under the surface - a shift, a release, a restlessness - don’t ignore it. Don’t wait for a crisis to start the conversation.

Start now.

Invest in future leaders. Think long. Talk honestly. Pray boldly.

I recently sat down with Frank on the [Next Sunday podcast] to talk about our transition at Generis - what we got right, what surprised us, and why succession done well can be one of the most life-giving things a leader ever does.

Because here’s the bottom line:

Passing the baton doesn’t mean your race is over.
It means the mission still matters - enough to hand it off well.

So that the greatest days of your organization come AFTER you. That’s the best evidence of building something that will last!

And that’s what great leaders do.

I spoke in more detail about this topic on a recent episode of the Next Sunday podcast, which you can find here.

This blog post originally appeared on Church Leader Insider. For more information or to subscribe to Church Leader Insider, click HERE.

If you're a church or ministry leader navigating questions of transition or succession, you don’t have to walk that road alone. Dave Travis, Director to Strategic Counsel to Pastors and Boards at Generis, specializes in helping churches plan and execute healthy leadership transitions. With decades of experience guiding large churches and ministry organizations through complex handoffs, Dave brings deep wisdom, practical strategy, and a pastor’s heart to every conversation. Whether you’re years away from a change or already in the thick of it, Dave can help you lead with clarity and courage through every phase of the journey.

Reach out to Dave directly at Dave.Travis@generis.com.

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