Feb 24 2025 33 mins 7
What does it take to leave well as a pastor?
In this episode, Rev. Tara Beth Leach and Dr. Mark Quanstrom sit down with Randy Frazee, Pastor Emeritus of Westside Family Church, to talk about his intentional journey of succession, the emotional weight of stepping away, and what it means to let go with grace.
With over 36 years in ministry, Randy reflects on the wisdom, courage, and planning that made his transition smooth—and why every pastor should be thinking about succession, legacy, and identity beyond the pulpit.
🎙️ In This Episode:
- Why Randy started planning his succession three years ago.
- How pastors can separate their identity from their role in ministry.
- The biggest mistakes churches make in leadership transitions.
- The freedom of releasing control and trusting God with the next chapter.
📌 Highlights:
[00:05:00] What does it mean to be “Pastor Emeritus” and how does it actually work?
[00:12:00] From an unchurched childhood to pastoring for 36 years—Randy’s unexpected call.
[00:22:00] Life planning and how coaching helped clarify Randy’s next steps.
[00:27:00] How to leave a church without bitterness, regret, or burnout.
💡 Takeaway:
Pastors, you are free to leave. Whether it’s five years or fifty years into ministry, succession done well is an act of faithfulness, not failure. Randy’s story challenges us to think about the long game of pastoral leadership—one that prioritizes healthy transitions, church culture, and a legacy that outlasts us.
📖 Next Week:
How does a pastor shape culture—on staff, in leadership, and throughout the church? Join us as we dive into this topic with Randy in Part 2!
