Several years ago, Travell Travis received a phone call from one of his church’s bishops, who was fighting end-stage pancreatic cancer and was nearing death. The bishop needed help putting together a succession plan.

That phone call showed Travis the need for churches to plan well for leadership transitions. It motivated him to write a book and help churches think strategically about succession plans. In this episode, Erika talks more with Travis about what he’s learned as an attorney and pastor in the years since that phone call.

The two explore succession planning from biblical and legal perspectives. They discuss how succession planning can connect and motivate younger leaders, while addressing the long-term health and strength of churches. They also look at how planning can work within churches of different sizes and theological traditions. 

·      “Succession Plans: Why Your Church Needs One,” by Erika E. Cole

·      “Take the Next Call,” a six-week online course with Erika E. Cole

·      “Creating a Successful Succession Plan,” by Vonna Laue

·      Episode 31: Equipping Younger Church Leaders, with guest Dr. Nicole Martin, CT’s chief impact officer

·      Episode 8: How to Ensure a Smooth Succession, with guest Bishop Ralph Dennis

·      “The Financial Health of Pastors,” by Lee A. Dean

·      The Church Compliance Conference, taking place September 21, 2023, has been listed as a top church management conference for its topics, speakers, and value. Learn more and register here for the 16th Annual Church Compliance Conference. 

·      Where Will the Mantle Fall: A Biblical and Legal Guide to Succession Planning, by Travell Travis, Esq.

·      Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist here, and check out Episode 29 (“Using a Legal Audit to Position Your Church for the Long Haul”) to learn about the importance of a legal audit for your church.

Questions? Comments? We welcome them! Please contact Erika Cole at erikacole.com. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.

See all episodes of Church Law.

The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.

Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks. She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.

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