Lessons from the Willow Creek Pastoral Transition
Last week, the leaders at Willow Creek announced a senior pastor transition. Dave Dummitt, after stepping into an incredibly difficult situation five years ago, announced he would be stepping down from the role. He approached the elders in September about his decision, and asked them to move into a season of prayer and focus so Willow could experience a smooth, healthy, God-honoring transition.
The elders of the church spent the next few months in prayer and discernment to determine next steps, and then named Shawn Williams as the new Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church.
I've never been more proud of a church in how they have navigated a significant leadership transition. What I watched unfold last week in the announcement should become a case study on how to have a smooth, momentum-building, transition.
I would encourage you to watch the announcement, read more about the transition, and then consider what can be learned.
Lessons To Be Learned
Know When To Step Away – Things at Willow had finally got turned around. It would have been an easy for Dave to stay and enjoy the health of the church after leading through some difficult years. And yet he knew it was time.
Leave a Place Healthier Than You Found It – I've long believed every leader should leave their organization or department or role better than when they arrived. At Willow, every single measurable metric is better than it was five years ago. More people are being baptized, connecting in groups, studying the Bible, coming to faith, volunteering their time, being generous with their money, and impacting their communities.
Pay Attention to Who God Has Raised Up To Lead – I remember talking to a founding senior pastor recently about their decision to step away after 30+ years of ministry. They said, "I had a leader on my team who was wired and called to lead the church. I needed to step out of his way." Similarly, Dave knew God had gifted Shawn Williams and he was ready. In the same breath telling the elders he knew he was supposed to step away, he said, "...and I think you should take a really strong look at Shawn."
Understand How God Has Specifically Wired You To Lead – It's important that leaders consider the needs of the organization above their own ambitions. A good leader can say, "I was needed for this past season...a different type of leader is needed for the next season."
Keep Showing Up – One of the most important things Dave did at Willow these past five years was to do just keep doing the next right thing. He didn't rebuild the church by introducing some trick or cutting-edge idea. He just kept showing up, walking with integrity, and put a renewed emphasis on Bible reading, worship, prayer, groups and teams.
Get Out of the Way – I loved watching Shawn quickly begin to paint a picture for what God might do through Willow over the next few years. And I loved even more hearing Dave follow-up the next week by affirming the direction and his excitement about following Shawn. He modeled what it looks like to move from primary visionary to chief cheerleader for the next leader.
One of the most fulfilling things our team at LeadingSmart does is to lead pastors and churches through successful pastoral transitions. For pastors who are trying to discern the right timing to step down, consider these five questions.
Is It Time for Me To Step Down?
If I had five more years, would I still be the right person to lead this church into that future? This forces clarity on calling vs. comfort. It helps separate personal attachment from what the church actually needs next.
Is my current leadership creating more momentum—or maintaining what once was? Momentum is a sign of aligned vision and energy. If things are coasting, it may be time to pass the baton.
What part of this role still gives me life—and what part am I now avoiding or dreading? This question surfaces emotional honesty. If core responsibilities are no longer fulfilling, it’s a red flag.
Have I intentionally prepared others to lead, or am I still the linchpin? A lack of delegation or leadership development often reveals an unspoken resistance to letting go.
If I announced my retirement today, would my church be surprised, relieved, or ready? This one brings external reality into view—how others might already be perceiving the season.
Of course, if you want clarity not clouded by your own ego or possible lack of self-awareness, then ask the people closest to you to answer the same questions on your behalf. It will create good context as you consider what's next.
If my team can be helpful to your church on your succession journey, don't hesitate to reach out for a conversation.