Church Leadership Transition…a New Model
June 6, 2011 by Admin
Filed under Church, Leaders, Ministry Today
After serving as senior pastor of Timothy Baptist Church, Athens, Georgia for nearly 25 years, Bishop Jerry F. Hutchins knew it was time for something different. “We organized a Transition Team almost a year ago,†said Bishop Hutchins, “and that team worked diligently, meeting twice each month, to work through the process and then making the formal presentation to the Church. When the presentation was made, the church gave overwhelming approval.â€
The transition resulted in a successor, Pastor Tracy Boles, who will bec take the church forward, while Bishop Hutchins oversees the pastor’s work. According to Bishop Hutchins, the model is something that other churches have expressed a need for.â€
“There are hundreds, if not thousands, of pastors across the country who would like to be able to make a similar transition but simply don’t have a vision for implementation.†Bishop Hutchins is available to help others organize and implement transitions of this nature. For more information: jhutchins@timothybaptist.org.
Wow! What an Amazing Shift! Bishop Hutchins is a Great Spiritual Father, Teacher and Leader! I am not sure if we realize it or not but he is teaching us even in this transition how to hear, trust and move by the command of God’s Voice! Bishop Hutchins has been my Pastor since 2005 and when he announced the transition I rested on the words of my Pastor because I KNOW everything he does, everything he says and every step he makes is GOD INSPIRED AND GOD DIRECTED! I am excited for Pastor Boles and can’t wait to see and be apart of what God does next in the life of Bishop Jerry F. Hutchins! To God be the Glory for the Wonderful things He has done and IS DOING!
Sounds like a good model for other Churches to follow. Great work Bishop!
I am so excited about what God is doing at Timothy Bapist Church I am not wait to see what is going to come has pastor Boles and Bishop work togather for the Kingdom of God I am so glad that Bishop heard the voice of God has to make the exchange to something new I feel that what the body of Christ need today something and that is what is happending at Timothy Bapist Church something new and Powerful I am excited so see what is next!!
What an AWESOME display of OBIDIENCE, WISDOM and FAITH, To God be the Glory! Bishop Hutchins has always set a great example of leadership. He not only studies and loves the word of God, but he lives it out and teaches others how to do the same. Pastor Boles is a powerful teacher/preacher and I praise God for his appointed time. Congratulations to you sir!!! Bishop I am sooo very proud to call you my Pastor (and big brother) Gods continued blessings to each of you!!
For those of us who are at a position in our lives when we must “hear from God”; Bishop Hutchins is nothing short of a true God Send. Learning to pray and study brings us into a right relationship with God that carries us through all situations. A leader who knows The Word and willingly gives a dedicated effort to share his knowledge with other people who long to know God by understanding what the Bible says is God’s gift to the world through Bishop Hutchins.
Jesus is the reason for the season and we are in a “season of transition.”
As Bishop would say it’s just like when Moses turned things over to Joshua .Either you transition when God tell you to or God will take you out .I’m glad Bishop is a man of God who listens to what God say and OBEY !!! As a member of the transition team we are looking for great things out of Pastor Boles .May God continue to Bless you Bishop and Pastor Boles.And as a member of Timothy I just want you to know that we got your back …
I had the opportunity to serve in the ministry with both of these great men of God. I knew that the combination would do great things for the uplifting of God’s Kingdom. Bishop Hutchins I anxiously awaited for the next level move that God would challenge you with. I could not imagine the awesomness of the task. I know you are the one for this order. Pastor Boles is a dynamic young teacher and preacher. God has placed him where he needs to be in this season. I am do Godly proud of each of you. You impacted my life in so many positive ways. Bishop Hutchins because of you I strive for perfection. Pastor Boles you has shown me what true humility is and how to wait (while serving) on God. To God be the Glory for thing He has done!
I thank God for a Bishop so humble and obedient. I know that he truly loves his congregation because he’s leaving us under the leadership of a great man of God, Pastor Boles. I’m sooo excited about what’s taking place at Timothy and I wouldn’t want to be a anywhere else! I pray that this transition for Pastor Boles and his family goes as smoothly as possible. Bishop, thank you! I love you and be blessed!!
Bishop Hutchins and Pastor Boles are at the forefront for Ministry transition. This represents a level of maturity, a man of faith who is secure in his place with the Lord, and Church which has been taught well and prepared for the shift. My prayers are with them all.
Wow!! This is truly a mighty move of God. As a member for the past 11 years I must say that this is the greatest one yet, but surely not the end of many more. God is unveiling the promises made to you Bishop and First Lady Hutchins. I am so honored to be in this location of the body of Christ. Thank you both for hearing and obeying God has He launches us into the “deep”. To Pastor and Lady Boles, you are welcome here and we look forward to what God shall have you do. Glory to the name of the Lord for the things He has done thus far. Timothy hold on tight, this is what we have been believing and praying for. Thank you dear God!!! In His love, T. Sands.
This is the Lords doing, and it is Marvellous in our eyes! And a vivid example of fearlessness, courage and hope for other laborers in the Kingdom. I wish those of you who will only get to read this article, could witness the peace and calmness, sweetness of this transition. It is rare and precious to see co-laborers work together in a what appears to be effortless, fluid movement to greater power and purpose. It is truly Slendid! We marvell at their faith and courage! Be Blessed,
Congratulations to Bishop Hutchins and Pastor Boles! My family now lives in a rural area, and we see a number of congregations suffer through the process of losing and seeking a pastor. This model of transition is GREATLY needed as we continue to advance God’s Kingdom.
Bishop, Pastor Boles and TBC members, thank for all for moving the church forward in Kingdom Order and Growth.
Principles are universal and if properly applied, will work in every walk of life. Kingdom is no exception! As with gestation, staying too long causes more harm to the unborn than delivering too early. It’s good to see a church leader submitting to divine instructions to transition. It’s great for the leaders, and a blessing for the Body of Christ. More should heed the voice to know when “It’s time to leave the party!”
I considered myself blessed to witness this never before tried, but much need way of teaching the church how to transition effectively. God never ceases to amaze me in using Bishop Jerry Hutchins as a willing vessel to forge and conquer new territories. Thank God also for the Man of God in the person of Pastor Tracy Boles that has grabbed ahold of this vision and is moving forward!
Ralph Watkins addressed this issue in Leading Your African American Church through Pastoral Transition. Whether the outgoing pastor’s departure is planned or unexpected, whether the new pastor is assigned or elected, he shares:
* Helpful insights
* Practical strategies
* Biblical principles
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