Lost in Transition

Lessons from the Most Disastrous and Successful Ministry Successions

Whether you are preparing for your own succession, taking the reins from an established leader, or sitting in a leadership seat at an organization going through a succession, this book is for you.

Steve Woodworth shares firsthand stories and insights from some of the biggest, best, and most disastrous ministry successions to help you steward your own succession and set up your team and your organization for success. Steve’s heart for well-done successions stems from a deep desire to see organizations of all shapes and sizes have the greatest impact and legacy for God’s Kingdom.

After experiencing successful, and mostly disastrous ministry successions for more than 30+ years, and then architecting his own succession, Steve Woodworth knew he needed to write a guide to help others navigate how to plan and walk through their own successions successfully. Steve interviews dozens of ministry leaders and shares first-hand stories about what to do and what not to do when walking through your own succession. Whether you are the incoming leader, the outgoing leader, or the team of people shepherding the transition, this book is for you.

Steve unveils the pitfalls of failed successions and provides essential strategies for success. Explore the biblical concept of succession, the key factors that make or break the process, and behind-the-scenes secrets for board members, outgoing, and incoming leaders. This indispensable guide offers a roadmap for navigating the delicate journey of passing the torch, ensuring a seamless transition that preserves the legacy and impact of Christian organizations.

Praise for Lost in Transition

  • "Steve Woodworth's 'Lost in Transition' is a vital resource for ministry leaders and board members, offering crucial insights into leadership transitions. As someone who led World Vision for two decades, I've witnessed the impact of successful and failed successions. This book should be mandatory reading well before any leadership change is on the horizon."

    Richard Stearns | President Emeritus
    World Vision US
    Author of The Hole In Our Gospel and Lead Like It Matters To God

  • "Successions in Christian entities, like any other, can be challenging. Steve Woodworth's 'Lost in Transition' is an indispensable read for anyone involved in succession planning. With about a 50% success rate, this book provides valuable guidance to navigate this critical phase."

    David Green | CEO/Founder of Hobby Lobby
    Author of Leadership Not by the Book

  • "Steve Woodworth's wisdom on leadership succession is unparalleled. As he guided me through the planning of my succession, his insights transformed my perspective. 'Lost in Transition' is a treasure trove of lessons that will undoubtedly benefit ministries navigating leadership changes."

    Josh D. McDowell | Founder
    Josh McDowell Ministry

  • "Steve Woodworth's wisdom, as captured in 'Lost in Transition,' guided me through my leadership journey. His book now serves as a beacon for others. It beautifully distills essential principles for effective leadership transitions, offering a wealth of insights for Christian leaders worldwide."

    Michael Y. Oh, Ph.D. | Global Executive Director / CEO
    Lausanne Movement

  • "Steve Woodworth, in 'Lost in Transition,' shares five crucial principles derived from a wealth of experience. Having witnessed numerous transition stories, he provides invaluable wisdom for leaders and boards navigating complex transitions. A must-read for those leading through significant changes."

    Kendra VanderMeulen, CAP® | CEO
    National Christian Foundation

  • "In 'Lost in Transition,' Steve Woodworth compellingly advocates for better transitions in ministry leadership. His emphasis on humility as the secret ingredient resonates deeply. This brilliant book outlines practical steps for effective, God-honoring successions."

    Michael Martin | President & CEO
    Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability

  • "Steve Woodworth's book on succession for Christian ministries is a much-needed guide. As someone who has consulted with over 500 organizations, I can attest to the importance of the principles outlined in this book. It offers a pathway to smoother transitions and helps avoid common pitfalls."

    Bobb Biehl | Executive Mentor

  • "Steve Woodworth's insights into healthy succession planning are crucial for every board, whether in a Christian non-profit or elsewhere. 'Lost in Transition' provides a clear pathway to success, emphasizing qualities like humility, patience, love, and grace – essential elements often overlooked."

    James Ackerman | Former CEO
    Prison Fellowship

  • "'Lost in Transition' by Steve Woodworth is a candid and practical guide for effective succession planning. As someone who has served on many boards, I believe this book is a must-read for nonprofit board directors and CEOs. It provides clarity on what works and what pitfalls to avoid."

    Tami Heim | President and CEO
    Christian Leadership Alliance

  • "'Lost in Transition' by Steve Woodworth is a candid and practical guide for effective succession planning. As someone who has served on many boards, I believe this book is a must-read for nonprofit board directors and CEOs. It provides clarity on what works and what pitfalls to avoid."

    Tami Heim | President and CEO
    Christian Leadership Alliance

  • "In 'Lost in Transition,' Steve Woodworth provides essential principles for pastors facing the unique challenge of leadership succession. Transitioning well is a one-time opportunity, and this book equips leaders with the small but impactful principles necessary for success."

    David Ashcraft | President & CEO
    Global Leadership Network

  • "'Lost in Transition' is a valuable collection of insights gathered by Steve Woodworth from those who have navigated ministry successions successfully. As someone who wishes they had this resource 15 years ago, I highly recommend it for anyone heading into a ministry succession."

    Carmen LaBerge | Host
    Mornings with Carmen

  • "Steve Woodworth's wisdom and experience shine through in 'Lost in Transition.' This guide is a much-needed resource for leaders and boards navigating the vulnerable time of leadership succession. His insights are spot-on, penetrating, and firmly grounded in biblical principles."

    Roger Parrott | President
    Belhaven University

  • "'Lost in Transition' by Steve Woodworth is a profound guide that encapsulates the reality and hope within leadership successions. His blueprint for a rational and godly process, focusing on search, selection, and succession, is a must-read for every CEO and board invested in Kingdom impact."

    Jerry E. White, PhD | International President Emeritus
    The Navigators

Steve Woodworth

With over forty years devoted to advancing Christian organizations, Steve Woodworth brings a wealth of expertise in marketing, management, and organizational development. He steered World Vision’s direct marketing and donor services through a decade of annual double-digit growth in the 1980s and 1990s. Since joining Masterworks in 1992, Steve has been instrumental in establishing it as the premier marketing agency dedicated to aiding hundreds of Christian organizations in achieving their mission. Steve also gives back as a volunteer on boards, as a convener of industry leaders and continues to lead the Communications Working Group for The Lausanne Movement.

James Lund

James Lund is an award-winning collaborator, editor, and author who enjoys helping other authors develop their voice and message. He is a veteran of Christian publishing who has worked with bestselling authors and ministry leaders such as George Foreman, Jim Daly, Dr. James & Shirley Dobson, Dennis & Barbara Rainey, Randy Alcorn, Kathy Ireland, Jim Caviezel, Kim Meeder, Bruce Olson, and Shaunti Feldhahn. Book sales from Jim’s projects exceed two million copies. Three have earned the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Gold Medallion Award.

Choose your preferred retailer to order the book now!

Contact Us

For press inquiries or to schedule time with Steve to discuss your succession challenges, please fill out the form below