This episode of We Are Vineyard is the final in our mini-series on pastoral successions. Super Regional Leader John Elmer interviews Phil Strout and Allen Austin about how they each felt called in this transition, some of the things that were successful in transitioning, and the value of raising someone up from within the church. Allen shares some thoughts on those who are feeling a call to senior leadership, and Phil shares some advice to lead pastors and boards who are looking towards an upcoming transition. 

We’re taking a summer break for the month of August, but we’ll be back with some incredible new episodes in September! We’ll see you then! 

Phil Strout is a committed leader and communicator in the 21st-century church. He brings over fifty years of experience in the areas of church planting and cross-cultural missions. Referred to as a “quintessential practitioner” for his work in Latin America and globally, Phil is not afraid to think outside the box and challenges others to do the same. Phil is a leadership coach and the author of God’s Relentless Pursuit: Discovering His Heart for Humanity and THRIVE: How to Successfully Navigate the S-Turns of Leadership. Phil is the previous senior pastor of Pathway Vineyard in Maine, and the previous National Director of Vineyard USA. 

Allen Austin is the senior pastor of Pathway Vineyard, a multi-site church with locations in Brunswick, Gray, and Lewiston Maine. Allen has called the Vineyard his home since 1991. Allen’s faith journey and pastoral experience has been primarily dedicated to what John Wimber called “the main and the plain” – doing the simple work of loving God, loving neighbors, and sharing the Gospel. Allen and his wife Darlin have two adult children, Jennah and Erik, one son-in-law, KP, and two grandchildren, Kai and Mae – all of whom they adore.

Show Notes: 

Day of Giving: Seed & Soil 

Vineyard History and Identity Resources: 

The Way It Was by Carol Wimber 

The Quest For The Radical Middle by Bill Jackson 

Empowered Evangelicals by Rich Nathan and Ken Wilson

“I’m a Fool For Christ”– John Wimber’s testimony