The elders have been working with Rick on transition plans over the past few years and in the fall of 2019, Rick let the elders know that he planned to step down in 2020. The session engaged McGowan and Associates, a consulting company that specifically helps churches in transition, to formally help with the transition in March 2020. (Learn more about McGowan and Associates here.) While COVID-19 necessitated an adjustment and presents unique challenges given the congregation’s remote engagement, McGowan and Associates created a transition timeline that is consistent with other senior pastor transitions, but also meets the needs of Rick and T. They did this by working closely with Rick, T, and the elders throughout the process.