Clergy Succession
Building a Bridge to Your Church's Future
Published August 2026
Whether you're a denominational leader guiding multiple congregations, a pastor approaching retirement, or a staff-parish relations team preparing for succession, Planned Successions for Pastors offers the clarity and tools you need for a Spirit-led transition.
Jim Ozier brings his signature practical wisdom—direct, actionable, and grounded in real ministry experience. With ready-to-use checklists, timetables, and evaluation charts, you'll find a clear roadmap for intentional succession planning that honors both the outgoing pastor's legacy and the congregation's future.
Stan Copeland shares his own journey as a retiring long-time pastor with refreshing honesty and pastoral warmth. His personal reflections help you see your own situation more clearly, offering encouragement and guidance for the emotional and spiritual dimensions of transition that often go unaddressed.
While Lover's Lane United Methodist Church provides the book's case study, the principles and processes work beautifully for churches of every size. In fact, smaller congregations, where pastoral transitions can feel especially vulnerable, will find this guidance particularly valuable.
With the purchase of Planned Successions for Pastors, readers also receive access to the following extras:
1. Relatable stories from the authors that will resonate with anyone navigating pastoral succession
2. Printable checklists
3. Other planning tools
More than a manual, it's a trusted companion for one of the most significant seasons for a church.
About the Authors
Stan Copeland
Stan Copeland served for 27 years as senior pastor of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, where he led the congregation to become a vibrant, multicultural, multi-campus community of faith known for its "business as unusual" model of mission and innovation. He helped pioneer one of the first dual-campus ministries in the denomination. Under his leadership, Lovers Lane launched five nonprofit corporations and raised more than $55 million through four capital campaigns. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary and has served for more than two decades on the Methodist Health System Foundation. He is the author of several works, including Farewell: Tending to a Soul, and the beloved Picklin' Parson cookbook series, which blends faith, humor, and rural wisdom. Stan and his wife, Tammy, have two children and three granddaughters.
Jim Ozier
Jim Ozier is an established motivational speaker and presenter for religious groups, civic organizations, and corporations. Based on techniques and ideas learned from his experiences with Southwest Airlines, he has conducted numerous seminars on culture and hospitality for thousands of pastors and laity in churches, districts, and annual conferences. He lives in Irving, Texas.