unSeminary Podcast Leaving Well: A Behind-the-Scenes Story of a Healthy Staff Exit with Rachel Long & Danny Anderson
May 15, 2025
Rachel Long, founder of the Joshua Center, and Danny Anderson, lead pastor of Emmanuel Church, delve into navigating staff transitions within church settings. They share insights on fostering open communication to create a healthy organizational culture during periods of change. Rachel recounts her journey from executive pastor to leading a nonprofit supporting grieving families, while Danny emphasizes the importance of being a shepherd rather than a gatekeeper. Both highlight the necessity for safe conversations that honor individual journeys and enhance team well-being.
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Rachel's Transition Story
- Rachel Long shared her journey from being a developmental therapist to an executive pastor and then founding the Joshua Center.
- The nonprofit supports grieving children and families, growing rapidly since her transition in 2022.
Anxiety Roots in Control and Silence
- Senior leaders often feel a sense of ownership over their team, making staff departures uncomfortable and challenging.
- The anxiety around transitions largely stems from lack of communication between leaders and staff.
Foster Open Transition Dialogue
- Leaders must create safe, coaching-based environments encouraging open conversations about transitions.
- Employees should honestly share their sense of calling early to enable thoughtful, prayerful discernment.