Randy Frazee & Jonathan Hansen
The Westside Church Succession
About The Episode
In this episode of Leaders in Living Rooms, host Sean Morgan sits down with Randy Frazee and Jonathan Hansen for an honest, in-the-middle conversation about church leadership succession. Drawing from their shared experience at Westside Family Church, Randy and Jonathan reflect on what makes succession healthy, why intentional overlap and trust matter, and how culture, governance, humility, and love shape long-term success. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the real tensions, decisions, and relational work required when leadership changes hands and why succession is not the end of leadership, but its fulfillment.
Welcome to Episode 151 of the Leaders in Living Rooms Podcast with Sean Morgan.
Insights from Randy and Jonathan
- Succession is a process, not an event
Healthy succession requires years of intentional planning, not a rushed handoff. Time, clarity, and shared expectations create stability for both leaders and congregations.
- Culture and governance matter more than charisma
Both leaders emphasized that strong culture and clear governance structures are the foundation for any successful transition—far more than personality or vision alone.
- Overlap builds trust
An intentional season of overlap allows trust, donor relationships, staff dynamics, and leadership rhythms to transfer naturally rather than abruptly.
- Outgoing leaders must prepare their own “next”
Transitions are healthier when outgoing leaders are moving toward something meaningful, not simply stepping away from ministry without direction.
- Incoming leaders inherit people, not just a role
Jonathan highlights the importance of listening, building relational equity, and resisting the urge to lead from past wounds or assumptions.
- Love is not optional in leadership transitions
Trust, humility, and genuine affection between leaders shape how a congregation experiences change. People can “sniff out” when unity is missing.
- A successful successor is a shared win
When the new leader thrives, it reflects well on the outgoing leader’s legacy. Succession done well is one of the most meaningful leadership acts a pastor can make.
Episode Links
If you’re a leader approaching a succession or transition, or maybe you’re a few years in and beginning to see how complex transitions leadership is… go to The Art of Pastoral Succession and check out my course in partnership with Carey Nieuwhof.
Are you in Transition or have one on the horizon? Check out our cohorts and get connected with us at: https://theascentleader.org/cohorts/
Who is Randy Frazee?
Randy Frazee is Pastor Emeritus at Westside Family Church in Kansas City. He is a leader and innovator in Bible engagement, spiritual formation, and biblical community spaces. Randy is the architect of The Story and BELIEVE church engagement campaigns as well as the author of The Joy Challenge; His Mighty Strength; Think, Act, Be Like Jesus; What Happens After You Die; and the coauthor of Real Simplicity with his wife, Rozanne. The Frazees have four children and five grandchildren who are the lights of their lives. To learn more about his work and ministry, go to randyfrazee.com.
Who is Jonathan Hansen?
Jonathan Hansen serves as the Lead Teaching Pastor at Westside Family Church, a multi-site church in the Kansas City area. He is passionate about equipping the local church through strong biblical teaching, cultural engagement, and a steadfast focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Jonathan completed his Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary while beginning his ministry journey as a youth pastor. In 2013, he joined Passion City Church in Atlanta as the Family Pastor under Louie Giglio, also serving on the teaching team for four years. In 2017, Jonathan became the Lead Pastor of Hills Church in Sacramento, California, where he faithfully served for eight years before being called to Westside Family Church.
Jonathan is deeply committed to teaching God’s Word, shaping culture with the truth of the Gospel, and building thriving, multiplying churches. He and his wife, Lindsey, love investing in their two amazing kids, Lily-Hope and Sawyer, and enjoying life together as a family.
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About the Host
Sean Morgan is a coach and speaker with a national reputation as a catalyst of fresh vision. His passion is to help ministries navigate obstacles and turn them into opportunities.
Throughout his career, Sean has pioneered initiatives impacting thousands of leaders across the country. He started out serving as Executive Pastor and CFO at New Life Church in northern California.
As host, Sean gives you access to amazing conversations, hard-won wisdom, and poignant insights from world-class leaders in intimate “living room” settings.
Your Host
Sean Morgan
Leaders in Living Rooms
Craft & Character
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