In a recent roundtable discussion at the Prayer Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Amityville, NY, a distinguished group of church leaders convened to tackle a pressing issue in modern ministry: the appropriate time for pastors to transition leadership to a successor. The conversation, moderated by Bishop Walter Willie, featured insights from Dr. Stephanie Stratford of Ekklesia Church in Brentwood, MD, Overseer Diane Seaman of Good Samaritan Church in Centereach, NY, Bishop Jeffrey Bowens of Love Alive Fellowship in Buffalo, NY, Bishop Helen Seenster of Koinonea Full Gospel Baptist Church in Waterloo, IA, Overseer Regina Carr of CUTE Ministry in Amityville, NY, and Pastor Keith Hayward of Bethel AME Church in Copiague, NY.

The dialogue was sparked by a growing concern about aging pastors who, despite their years of service and dedication, may have lost their ability to effectively lead their congregations. This issue resonates across denominations and communities, highlighting the need for a thoughtful and strategic approach to pastoral succession.

Dr. Stephanie Stratford opened the discussion with a poignant observation. “Longevity in ministry is a blessing, but it also presents unique challenges,” she said. “There comes a point when every pastor must reflect on their capacity to lead and the overall health of their congregation.”

Bishop Jeffrey Bowens emphasized the importance of recognizing when one’s physical and mental stamina are no longer sufficient for the demands of pastoral leadership. “It’s not about abandoning one’s calling but rather ensuring that the congregation continues to thrive under fresh and vigorous leadership,” he stated.

Overseer Diane Seaman shared her experience with transitional leadership, highlighting the need for a well-planned succession strategy. “When a pastor decides to step down, it should be a gradual process,” she explained. “This allows the congregation to adjust and the new leader to integrate smoothly.”

Bishop Helen Seenster added that pastors must prioritize the future of their ministries over personal attachments to their roles. “Our duty is to serve God’s people, and sometimes that means stepping aside so that others may lead,” she remarked. “Effective leadership is about stewardship, not ownership.”

Overseer Regina Carr touched on the emotional aspect of this transition. “It’s never easy to let go,” she acknowledged. “But we must remember that our ultimate goal is to foster a community that can withstand changes and continue to grow spiritually.”

Pastor Keith Hayward underscored the importance of mentorship and training for potential successors. “Identifying and nurturing future leaders is crucial,” he said. “We need to invest in the next generation to ensure they are prepared to take on the mantle of leadership.”

Bishop Walter Willie, in his concluding remarks, called for a balanced approach. “Timing is critical,” he asserted. “Leaders must discern when their effectiveness is waning and act in the best interest of their congregation. This is a delicate and prayerful decision, one that should be made with the counsel of trusted advisors and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

The roundtable discussion, marked by its depth and candor, will serve as a prelude to a forthcoming video recording. This recording will offer a more detailed exploration of the conversation, providing valuable insights and practical advice for pastors and church leaders facing the challenge of leadership transition.

Stay tuned for the full video, where these esteemed leaders will delve further into their experiences and recommendations, offering a roadmap for ensuring that the legacy of a pastor’s ministry continues to flourish under new and capable leadership.