About The Episode

“Do I love being a pastor, or do I need to be a pastor? Once I figured out what I wanted to do and what I could let go of, that helped free me up.” Meet Bryan Wilkerson, Pastor Emeritus at Grace Chapel. Today, Bryan reflects on his 40-year ministry career, including his 24 years as lead pastor of Grace Chapel in the Boston area. He discusses the leadership transition process, the importance of finishing well, and how his personal identity evolved as he prepared for retirement. The conversation also touches on Bryan’s strategies for staying involved in ministry while stepping back from leadership.

Welcome to Episode 119 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan. 

INSIGHTS FROM BRYAN

Importance of Finishing Well: 

Bryan Wilkerson deeply understood the significance of finishing his pastoral career in a way that would honor both his service and the future of the church. Early in his career, he witnessed a poorly managed pastoral transition that led to the eventual decline of the church, which made a lasting impression on him. Determined not to repeat that mistake, he prioritized a smooth transition, ensuring that Grace Chapel was set up for success after his departure. 

Leadership Transition Planning: 

Bryan began discussing his eventual retirement with the church board years before it became necessary, demonstrating the importance of proactive planning. By doing so, he avoided the emotional and financial pressures that often accompany sudden pastoral transitions. He stressed that engaging in these conversations early allowed the church to be methodical and thoughtful in their approach, rather than reactive. This kind of planning also included forming a dedicated transition team to explore best practices and outline a roadmap for leadership succession, ensuring that the church had ample time to prepare.

Maintaining Identity Outside of Ministry: 

As Bryan approached the end of his time as lead pastor, he had to grapple with personal questions about his identity. He shared his internal journey of discerning whether his self-worth and happiness were tied to being a pastor or if he could find fulfillment beyond the role. He concluded that while leadership and service were important to him, his identity was bigger than his position. This takeaway emphasizes the importance for leaders to cultivate a sense of self that extends beyond their professional roles, preparing them for life after their careers.

Team and Congregational Support: 

Bryan placed significant emphasis on building trust and open communication between himself, the transition team, and the broader church leadership. He recognized the importance of having a team that was both loyal to him and committed to the overall mission of the church. As part of this, he made sure his successor, Joshua, was supported and empowered, stepping back when necessary to allow the new leader to take charge. His approach underscores the importance of making the transition not about personal legacy, but about the ongoing success of the church community.