What should you expect of the transition from associate pastor to senior or lead pastor? How are the roles different? How can associate pastors prepare as they think and pray about being a senior pastor one day?

Looking back on seminary I often wonder why I was not better prepared for certain experiences that have been pivotal in pastoral ministry. There was never a class on how to deal with ministry jealousy. No one ever warned me that it would be tempting to wish I had another man’s gifts, ministry opportunities, and recognition. Furthermore, there were no classes on spiritual warfare. In fact, I don’t remember anyone telling me to expect spiritual warfare. There were no lectures that addressed the fact that as I grew clearer about the gospel, I would become a bigger target for the evil one. And there were no syllabi regarding what it would mean for an associate pastor to transition into ministry as a senior pastor.

A recent edition of the 9Marks e-journal focused on the life and perspectives of a senior pastor versus an associate pastor. The articles were very helpful, but one set of questions were not addressed: What should you expect of the transition from associate pastor to senior or lead pastor? How are the roles different? How can associate pastors prepare as they think and pray about being a senior pastor one day?

This is a major transition in some ways and a difficult one because many men are just not prepared. I recently made that transition. I know. Though the move is deeply challenging, I was well prepared for what I faced and not because I am naturally wise or an out-of-the-box catalytic leader. Rather, I learned at the feet of several men who shared their insights, and I took assiduous notes on the life and demands of senior ministry while I was an associate pastor. In fact, I have lost count of the times I have thought to myself, While it was pretty challenging at the time, even heart-breaking, I am so thankful I experienced x or y moment in ministry because of how it has prepared me for this role.

Seven months ago I turned the page on associate ministry and began a new chapter as a lead pastor. This was a transition my wife and I had been praying about for a few years, and anticipated with both fear and resolve. In a season of testing and sanctification the Lord made us wait, learn, grow, and trust him. Then, in a way only the Lord could manufacture, he led us clearly to Chapel Hill Bible Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I feel as if I have learned not only a seminary course, but also a whole degree’s worth of knowledge and experience. Brothers, may it help you in some small way as I share a slice.

Be prepared to shepherd your fellow ministry staff first.
You may have one colleague or you may have 20. Make it your priority to shepherd your fellow pastors first. That might require a conversation with your elders so there is room on your plate to do this, but it will pay huge dividends. This does not mean everyone on your staff will find you their ideal supervisor, mentor, or even colleague. But if you present yourself as someone who wants to love and shepherd them well, it will take a big edge off of what might be an inherently tough transition for your staff. They are the folks you work with most closely every day. Pray for them. Spend social time with them. Find ways to shepherd them as you would your entire congregation.

Be prepared that not everyone will like you.
In a healthy transition, most people will embrace, enjoy, and encourage you. They will appreciate what you bring to the table as a pastor: preaching, leadership, personality, your family, and your doctrine. Some will not. Even the healthiest and most unified churches have people who are going to respond negatively, some with petty reasons. Some, including leaders, will leave. You cannot control that, but you can shepherd through it.

Here is a suggestion: Go out of your way to invite personal interaction, especially if people are struggling with your leadership. Invite people to talk with you. In my experience, everyone who has taken me up on that offer has had a genuine heart and wants to see a way forward. Every meeting ended well. Those who are not going to meet with you are beyond your responsibility. Always seek input, aim to grow as a godly pastor, and be faithful to the Word. At the same time, accept the fact that your new profile as a senior pastor is going to put you in the way of stronger opinions, reactions, criticism, and rejection.

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