Last week, I had the opportunity to host nine lead pastors in a cohort focused on what it takes to “finish well” (more on the specifics of the cohort and how you can apply to be a part of the next group below.) All nine pastors are leading amazing congregations on both coasts and a number of areas throughout the central portion of the country. They gathered because they are beginning to journey from life in the lead pastor seat to the next season of ministry. The three days were rich with conversation, guidance from two seasoned mentors who have completed their succession and a myriad of resources. Over the next couple of posts, I will be sharing some of the learnings.
In today’s post, I offer reflections from the time the group had with Arthur Brooks, author of From Strength to Strength. Arthur is currently the Parker Gilber Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Business Management at Harvard University. His book highlights his recent research on happiness, a journey which began several years ago at age 55 when he looked up from a successful career as President of the American Enterprise Institute and asked, “What is the future going to look like?” He was building a company, raising $50M each year, traveling and giving around 175 speeches a year. In his words it was “fine as far as it went, But I didn’t actually understand where it was taking me, What did five and 10 years out look like?" I don’t just want to play golf some day and Lord knows that my wife doesn’t want me following her around the house all day. She reminds me that she married me for better or worse but not necessarily lunch every day!”
The book is well worth the read and you can get it here, but for the purpose of this post, the following chart paints the overall picture.
Before you dismiss the thinking by suggesting that perhaps happiness isn’t even something that we should seek, check out the label on the vertical axis - life satisfaction. Or, if necessary, think joy or the fullness that Jesus of life that promises in John 10:10.
As you can see, the research indicates that happiness declines from early adulthood until the early to mid fifties. Kind of depressing to think about, huh? Arthur discusses the challenges faced in one's 30s and 40s, including building a career, juggling responsibilities, maintaining relationships, and dealing with teenage children. But at the end of these seasons, you start back up again. That’s good news, right? But look at what happens in the mid sixties, the “traditional” age of retirement. There is another shift. Some continue “up” and some begin another decline. And the “bad news” is that those that tend to head south on the happiness scale may feel a little counterintuitive.
The lower curve is generally speaking, is that reserved for those who've done a lot with their lives. They have have been entrapped by what Brooks calls the “striver’s curse.” The world tells you that if you want to be happy when you're old, you're the solution. Be as successful is possible. Make the money, get the power, get the admiration of other people. plant a church and make it big and have people say, yes pastor, no pastor. The research shows that the more of a striver you were in childhood and early adulthood, the more likely you are to be disappointed with your life after 80 when you're no longer able to be number one. There's data that show that the more power that you have as a CEO, the more likely you are to be depressed after you retire. There's neurophysiological evidence that shows that when people step down from positions of great adulation, that their serotonin levels dip.
In case, you are feeling that I have “gone to meddling,” know that my toes are feeling stepped on a bit as well. We’ve been blessed with amazing opportunities and our calling is one that we want to fulfill with excellence and impact. It’s a reality of where I find myself and perhaps you do too.
So here's the question, “How can you be on the upper branch after you step down from your position of leadership and be successful now?
The answer is to begin to think about your future today. Arthur distinguishes between “fluid intelligence” and “crystallized intelligence.” Fluid intelligence is the ability to reason, think flexibly, solve novel problems, innovate, etc.. Crystallized intelligence is the ability to use a stock of knowledge learned in the past. Shorthand - “When you are young, you have raw smarts; when you are old, you have wisdom. And the key to stay moving up and to the right on the happiness, joy, life satisfaction, “full life” scale is to fully understand your crystallized intelligence/wisdom and shape a future that maximizes the best of it.
So how do you figure out what this looks like in your life?
The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone.
Pastor Smart Succession
I’m partnering with Dave in bringing the Pastor Smart Succession process to come alongside you and your church as you enter the succession zone. We walk with you each step of the way as you shape a “framed fit” for your future.
If you are beginning to think about what’s next, I’d love to connect and learn more and share more about how we can help. You can schedule a call here.
Leadwell Senior Pastor Finishing Well Cohort.
Also, if you are looking for a community of peers to navigate church, leadership and life with, consider applying for my Leadwell Senior Pastor Finishing Well Cohort. The 2024 Group Form launches April 23-25, 2024
Cohorts are by invitation only. If you are interested, contact me ASAP either via email at greg@ligongroup.com or by scheduling a call here.