Pastor Chuck Vizthum served as Lead Pastor of Whole Life Church for 31 years. In June 2026, he handed the leadership baton to his son, Pastor Josh Vizthum.

WHAT I LEARNED "Succession is a process that takes time. In our case, it took five years. It must be intentional, with clear goals, increasing responsibility, and ongoing development. Involving the congregation and leadership team throughout the process was also critical, as it created trust and buy-in from the beginning."

HOW NRP HELPED "NRP was instrumental from the very beginning. Pastor Keith Tucci regularly invested in Josh and provided resources that helped guide the process. Pastor Rick Paladin also played a significant role, and Josh was able to build valuable relationships with other NRP pastors that will continue to serve him well. The support, counsel, and prayer of the NRP family made the transition far easier than it would have been otherwise."

Pastor Joe Morales served as Lead Pastor of Jubilee Outreach Church for 46 years. In April 2026, he handed the leadership baton to his son, Pastor Ben Morales.

WHAT I LEARNED "It was a learning curve to let go and trust my son with the operations of the church. The hardest part was releasing the Sunday services and stepping back from preaching week after week. The greatest joy has been having a front row seat to watch him step into the role of Lead Pastor and see God's plan unfold before me."

HOW NRP HELPED "NRP was a tremendous blessing throughout the process, providing encouragement, guidance, and counsel every step of the way. Having Pastor Joe Warner and Pastor Keith Tucci meet with our leaders, answer questions, and participate in the transition service brought clarity and confidence to our church family. It demonstrated that NRP is more than a network. It is a true extended family that provides resources, support, and lasting relationships for pastors and churches."

Pastor Pat McGuffin served as Lead Pastor of Freedom Fellowship Church for 6 years. In February 2026, he handed the leadership baton to Pastor Matt Butschek.

WHAT I LEARNED "Develop and execute a strong training plan for the incoming pastor and involve the elders throughout the process. Make sure both spouses are cared for and included every step of the way. Address financial and functional responsibilities early, especially if the outgoing pastor will remain in the church. Most importantly, win the emotional and relational issues, not just the practical transfer of authority."

HOW NRP HELPED "NRP and our church overseers provided valuable strategy, wisdom, and practical guidance throughout the transition. NRP is a tremendous resource of experienced leaders whose insight helped make the succession process successful, for which I am very grateful."

Pastor Doug Allen served as Lead Pastor of Living Hope Church. In March 2025, he handed the leadership baton to Pastor Mike Williams.

WHAT I LEARNED "Jesus loves His church and is more concerned about its well-being than we are. Don't look for another you to replace you. Listen for God to reveal the successor, then pour into that person. The successor will never be completely ready, just as you weren't when you started. We don't have to understand everything. We simply need to learn to trust God throughout the process."

HOW NRP HELPED "One of NRP's greatest assets is its deep well of time-tested relationships. Having access to that proven counsel and wisdom throughout the succession process was invaluable."

Pastor Doral Jackson served as Lead Pastor of The River for 26 years. In January 2025, he handed the leadership baton to Pastor Mark Kiser.

WHAT I LEARNED "I learned that much prayer for your successor is required. Don't focus on who you think he should be, but allow God to develop him. Be open to the vision God gives the next pastor, let him lead in his own way, and resist the temptation to be an armchair quarterback. Don't stress and enjoy the ride."

HOW NRP HELPED "NRP was a tremendous help throughout the process. Pastor Keith Tucci provided guidance, practical suggestions, and checkpoints to help keep the transition on track. The DNA of NRP is legacy, with the understanding that a healthy church has a Joshua to follow the Moses. I also believe one of the greatest preparations for succession is for the succeeding pastor to attend NRP's School of Ministry."

Pastor Carl Catalanotto served as Lead Pastor of World Prayer Tabernacle for 34 years. In February 2024, he handed the leadership baton to Pastor Chris Lodriguss.

WHAT I LEARNED "Throughout 46 years of ministry, including pastoring four churches and planting three of them, I always believed a pastor needs the next man up serving alongside him. By God's grace, I always had one."

HOW NRP HELPED "The apostolic leadership of NRP played a significant role in helping me through the succession process and providing confirmation every step of the way. They also helped guide the transition of The Tabernacle Ministry, which was formed through two of the churches I had planted and was ultimately entrusted to Pastor Chris Lodriguss."

Pastor Steve Crombie served as Lead Pastor of The River Community Church for 22 years. In May 2023, he handed the leadership baton to his son, Pastor Tony Crombie.

WHAT I LEARNED "The ministry opportunities didn't just transfer from me to my son, they multiplied. My role and value didn't end. It simply took on a different form. Our attendance grew to the point of needing two services, and many others were given new opportunities to serve and lead."

HOW NRP HELPED "Our presbyters and NRP pastors who had already gone through succession were invaluable. They helped us navigate timing, communication, compensation, and our future ministry roles. Their counsel brought clarity and confidence throughout the process, and the church is thriving today."

Pastor Joe Warner served as Lead Pastor of Freedom Fellowship Church for 30 years. In February 2020, he handed the leadership baton to Pastor Pat McGuffin.

WHAT I LEARNED "It was very difficult to release the families I had pastored for so many years. In my situation, it was best to move out of state. I learned that the Kingdom is much larger than any one local church, and there is always more ministry to do."

HOW NRP HELPED "Pastor Rod Aguillard prophetically confirmed my decision to move on, and Pastor Keith Tucci developed the practical plan that helped make the transition a reality."