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Ep 128: The Aging Pastorate: Sam Rainer on the Looming Pastoral Retirement Crunch
Episode 12822nd May 2026 • The Church Lobby • Karl Vaters
00:00:00 00:51:06

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Karl Vaters talks with Sam Rainer about some massive changes that are happening, and how the looming pastoral shortage will affect everything about the way churches function in the next generation or two.

Based on Sam’s article, The Coming Massive Wave of Retiring Pastors and Church Staff, this conversation covers what caused this crisis along with some hopeful solutions including the rise of bi- and co-vocational ministry, opportunities for interim pastor ministry, the importance of planning your pastoral succession, and so much more.

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Bonus Content

How To Prepare Your Church for Your Pastoral Retirement, with Sam Rainer

Karl Vaters talks with Sam Rainer about what you can do prepare your church if you’re a pastor who’s set to retire soon, including the following three proactive steps:

  1. Evaluate your leadership pipeline
  2. Create flexibility in your staffing model.
  3. Honor and utilize experienced pastors.

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