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The Joy & Pain of Leadership Succession
Posted on: Monday November 10, 2025

Leadership succession is one of the most sacred — and most difficult — tasks for any pastor or ministry leader.

In this episode, I share the behind-the-scenes story of my second major succession — passing the baton of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship to Drew Hyun as our new President. I've rarely seen a succession done well. And that's exactly why I knew I had to do it differently — with prayer, intentionality, and surrender.

I walk through both the joy and the deep pain of letting go. I reflect on the lessons learned from my first succession at New Life Fellowship, the emotional disorientation that followed, and the profound spiritual formation that only comes through grief and relinquishment.

This is not a leadership technique. It's a spiritual crucible. A death and resurrection.

Whether you're years away from stepping down or you're mentoring the next generation now, this episode will help you face your limits, resist control, and steward your calling with integrity — for the sake of Jesus' mission in the world.

Every leader will face succession. The question is not if, but when.
Let's do it well.

 

Archives:
Tuesday May 04, 2021

In today's episode, we discuss this next mark of emotionally healthy discipleship and why developing a "Genogram" will help us become mature disciples of Jesus.

Tuesday April 27, 2021

But how exactly do we make love the measure of our spiritual maturity?

In today's podcast, we cover this next mark of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship.

Tuesday April 20, 2021

In today's episode, Pete continues the book launch series by exploring the next mark of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. Like David, Jeremiah and Job, we have an invitation to discover the treasures buried in grief and loss.

Tuesday April 13, 2021

John the Baptist, Paul, and Jesus all submitted to the limitations given to them by God. 
In today's episode, Pete explores this 3rd mark of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, and invites you to embrace the God-given limits in your life.

Tuesday April 06, 2021
In this episode, Pete will distinguish the difference between American culture and our discipleship to Jesus.  
 
Tuesday March 30, 2021

In this episode, Pete gives you the top ten indicators that will tell you if your doing has exceeded your being. It's worth a listen just for this list!

Tuesday March 23, 2021

Why have our discipleship efforts failed so significantly?

In today's episode, Pete launches into this topic as the first part of a longer podcast series, in which he will discuss the transformational insights of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship.

Tuesday March 16, 2021

In today's podcast, Pete goes deeper into this passage and finishes with two poignant questions that are a matter of life and death.

Tuesday March 09, 2021

Last week, Pete introduced a powerful skill called "Explore the Iceberg", which is a tool that helps you explore and process your emotional life.

In today's podcast, Pete introduces you to another skill called "Climbing the Ladder of Integrity." It's easy to feel stuck, not knowing what to pray. This powerful skill will help you clarify complex thoughts, values, and desires and discover what God might be revealing to you. 

Tuesday March 02, 2021

In today's podcast, Pete walks you through a powerful skill, developed over 25 years, called "Explore the Iceberg". It is both practical and profound. This skill has revolutionized the way Pete spends time with Jesus, and we know it will do the same for you!