Elgin, Ill. (August 6, 2025) — Regular Baptist Press announces the release of Shepherd Change: Strategies for Navigating Pastoral Transitions by veteran pastor and ministry leader Bill Abernathy. This concise, practical guide equips church leadership teams with Biblically grounded strategies for one of the most pivotal moments in church life: the transition of pastoral leadership.
Drawing from over four decades of ministry experience and firsthand involvement in multiple successful transitions, Abernathy offers a clear roadmap for churches seeking to honor God, care for their congregations, and support both outgoing and incoming pastors. The book is already being praised for its clarity, accessibility, and usefulness across church sizes and leadership structures.
“I didn’t set out to write a book,” Abernathy shared in a recent podcast interview. “It started as a white paper for my deacon board. But after seeing how many churches struggle with transitions—and how many do them well—I knew it was time to share what we learned.”
A Resource for Every Church Leadership Team
Designed to be digestible and actionable, Shepherd Change is ideal for:
- Pastors age 55+ preparing for retirement or redeployment
- Pastors beginning to plan for future transitions
- Church boards and leadership teams seeking clarity and confidence in succession planning
This book includes:
- Biblical models of leadership transition
- Three practical transition plan options (traditional, partial overlap, full overlap)
- Guidance for small churches with limited resources
- A sample emergency plan for unexpected pastoral departures
- Case studies and personal reflections from Abernathy’s own journey
The book’s hybrid structure—combining strategic insight with real-life stories—makes it ideal for pastors, deacon or elder boards, and ministry teams. “Every pastor is an interim pastor,” Abernathy notes, quoting William Vanderbloemen. “We must prepare the church to thrive with or without us.”
Product Details
- Title: Shepherd Change: Strategies for Navigating Pastoral Transitions
- Author: Bill Abernathy
- Publisher: Regular Baptist Press
- Publish Date: 4/28/2025
Paperback
- ISBN: 979-8-889-73178-8
- RBP Product Number: 5581
- Format: Paperback (5″ x 7″), 132 pages
- SRP: $14.99
Ebook (Kindle)
- ISBN: 979-8-889-73207-5
- ASIN: B0FH5V3VYC
- Format: Kindle, 118 pages
- SRP: $9.99
Availability
Shepherd Change is available in paperback through Regular Baptist Press, Amazon, and other fine retailers. Bulk discounts are available. For media inquiries, please contact Regular Baptist Press at RegularBaptistPress.org/about-us/contact-us/media-inquiry-for-book-publicity/.
About the Author
Bill Abernathy has served in pastoral ministry for over 40 years, including leadership roles in Ohio and Michigan. He has guided churches through transitions, mentored leaders, and contributed to strategic planning efforts within the Bridge Fellowship network. He currently serves in a redeployment role, continuing to invest in church health and leadership development.
