SBCAL Succession Planning
Registration for Fall 2026 Cohorts
Discounted Rate: $997
Succession Planning is one of four strategic pillars driving how SBCAL resources AMSs to be better equipped to serve their churches and pastors. Associational leaders are the most strategically positioned within the Southern Baptist Convention to help churches prepare for leadership transition before urgency sets the agenda. That conviction is why we have partnered with Sherpa to bring Succession Planning Training Cohorts to our network. This is not another resource to put on your shelf. It is practical training designed to change how you engage your pastors around one of the most significant leadership challenges they will face.
Succession planning is more than finding a successor.
It requires leaders to:
•Be ready for the unexpected.
•Care for the transitioning leader.
•Understand the organization.
•Build the transition plan.
•Identify the next leader.
•Communicate the journey.
To steward succession well, leaders need a plan that addresses all 6 areas.
This training equips you to lead that conversation.
The Succession Planning Training Cohorts equip AMSs with tools to help churches navigate all six areas.
Session 1: Be ready for the unexpected.
You will leave with Sherpa’s Emergency Succession Policy Template and the training to use it. One policy covers senior leadership. Another covers staff-level emergencies. You will know how to build one for your own context and how to walk other leaders in your network through the same process.
Session 2: Care for the transitioning leader.
You will be equipped with two resources: one designed for the transitioning leader and their spouse, another for the board. Both address the two issues leaders most often leave unresolved: financial preparation and clarity about what the next season of influence actually looks like.
Session 3: Understand the organization.
You will learn to guide leadership teams through the development of an Organizational Life Map and facilitate a Transition Readiness Assessment. The result of these two exercises is shared clarity about what must be preserved and what must be addressed.
Session 4: Build the transition plan.
You will gain tools to help leaders build a transition plan with clarity and confidence. Training covers the 3 Process Pathways and 5 Essential Signposts, giving leaders a visual framework that represents the full scope of the process and tracks progress along the way.
Session 5: Identify the next leader.
You will be trained in search methodology that is practical enough to use with the teams you serve. These resources convert proven search industry practices into accessible tools that help guide search committees through every stage of the hiring process.
Session 6: Communicate the journey.
You will walk away with practical tools to help teams build communication plans that keep people informed, engaged, and confident in the mission. Good communication during transition is not accidental. This training makes it repeatable.
Investment
The Succession Planning Training Cohort is $997 per participant. Registration includes:
•Six training sessions covering all 6 Planning Succession Conversations.
•Training to deploy each conversation with the pastors and churches you serve.
•Personalized guidance for building an emergency succession plan for your role.
•Ongoing support from Sherpa after the cohort concludes.
Partial scholarships are available. If cost is a barrier, reach out before you decide not to register.
Fall 2026 Cohort Schedule:
Training cohorts begin in September. Find the schedule that works for you and reserve your spot before it fills.
Each Cohort meets six times. All sessions are held virtually. Cohort size is limited to 3–5 participants. Choose the day and time that works best for your schedule.
The churches in your association are navigating succession whether they are ready or not. This training helps you make sure they are ready.
Space in each Cohort is limited to a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 participants. If you have questions before registering, we are glad to help.
Space in each Cohort is limited to a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 participants. If you have questions before registering, we are glad to help.
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Cost: $997
To inquire about need-based scholarships available or to request to pay in 2 installments, email Dr. Ray Gentry at [email protected]. Payment deadline is August 20, 2026. Option 1: Pay by check (download invoice/voucher below) 
Option 2: Pay by credit card (processing fees added)
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