Bishop T. D. Jakes and Succession: How To Lead and Leave A Legacy
In ministry, it’s easy to believe the work will never end.
There’s always another sermon to preach.
Another meeting to lead.
Another crisis to solve.
But there’s a truth we often ignore:
Every assignment has a due date.
Just like Bishop T.D. Jakes recently announced at The Potter’s House, wise leaders know:
Succession isn’t a threat.
It’s a strategy.
Today, I want to show you why celebrating succession is one of the most important things you can do as a pastor or church leader, and how to do it well.
Succession isn’t quitting
Many leaders feel uneasy talking about succession.
They fear it looks like giving up.
Like they’ve lost their fire.
But Bishop Jakes made it clear:
Succession is not quitting.
Succession is finishing. And finishing well.
Think about Paul’s words:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)
Notice he didn’t say I quit.
He said I finished.
In God’s Kingdom, finishing well is a sign of faithfulness, not failure.
Leadership Is Stewardship, Not Ownership
The church belongs to Jesus.
Not to us.
Pastors and leaders are stewards, not owners.
We care for the assignment until it’s time to pass it on.
Bishop Jakes reminded us:
We are called for a season, and for a reason.
And seasons eventually shift.
Good stewards know when to plant, when to water, and when to hand the field to new hands.
A Due Date Doesn’t Decrease Your Value
Some leaders fear that when their assignment ends, their value ends too.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Bishop Jakes models that your calling continues, even when your assignment changes.
Your voice.
Your wisdom.
Your anointing.
All of it remains useful for God's Kingdom, just in new ways.
Assignments have due dates.
Callings do not.
Let’s unpack this further.
If you’re leading well, your church should outgrow you.
Your best leaders should make you nervous (in a good way).
Your ministry should move forward, especially when you’re not in the room. Or on campus.
Healthy Succession Strengthens
Unplanned succession causes confusion.
Planned succession produces strength.
When leaders celebrate and plan for the next season, it builds:
Stability for the congregation
Confidence for the new leaders
Honor for the outgoing leaders
Glory for God
Succession done well shows the world that the church isn’t built on the pastor’s personality but on the principles, purpose, and priorities of Jesus.
Signs It’s Time to Prepare for Succession
How do you know it’s time?
Here are a few signs:
You feel a release in your spirit.
You sense new leaders are rising.
You notice God shifting your passion or energy.
You realize the church’s future needs fresh vision.
If you wait for a crisis, it’s too late.
Start succession when you’re strong, not when you’re struggling.
How to Celebrate Succession the Right Way
Bishop Jakes didn’t announce his plans with fear.
He announced them with faith.
Here’s what celebrating succession looks like:
Honor the past without idolizing it.
Bless the next leader publicly and privately.
Stay humble — it’s not about you.
Support the church — even after your role changes.
Focus forward — God is already in the next season.
Succession isn’t the end.
It’s an expansion. It’s a new expression.
Preparing Your Heart for the Due Date
If you’re a leader wrestling with this, take heart.
You’re not alone.
God’s fingerprints are all over your story. Remember, He is the author of your story.
Prepare your heart by:
Spending time in prayer and fasting.
Seeking wise counsel.
Asking God, “What’s my next assignment?”
Celebrating the legacy you’ve built.
Trusting that the best is still ahead.
Remember:
The goal was never to hold the title forever.
The goal was always to steward it well.
Bishop T.D. Jakes reminded us all:
Leadership assignments are powerful, and they are temporary.
Download this thought: We are all interim pastors and ministry leaders.
If we can embrace that truth, succession stops feeling like a loss.
It starts feeling like a legacy.
Every assignment has a due date.
The only question is:
Will we be ready to celebrate it?
If you’re a pastor or church leader who’s navigating succession, or simply want to prepare your ministry for the future, I help leaders design strategies that work, implement systems that last, and develop teams who truly shepherd people.
Schedule a free discovery call today.
Visit ericvhampton.com to start the conversation.
See you next Saturday!
Eric V Hampton
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:
Pew Patterns. My new book helps leaders like you make sense of the shifting spiritual landscape and build churches where people don’t just attend… they belong.
The Healthy Church Leader Annual Review. My annual review guides you from celebration (remembering past wins) to expectation (planning future wins) as you pursue your Christ-centered mission.
The Real MVP. I wrote and designed this book to invest in your leadership. Become a person of mission, vision, and purpose in 60 minutes.