About Real Church Solutions

Transitions Can Be A Real Challenge

At Real Church Solutions, we know you want to be an amazing leader as Sr. Pastor.

In order to do that, when the time comes, you need to be able to transition your role to the next pastor in a way that allows for all parties to thrive.

The problem is “The way we’ve always done it” seems to prevail as the way most churches do succession planning.

And let’s be honest, the way we’ve always done it is broken and leads to pretty awful transitions. This likely leaves you feeling pretty uninspired about the transition and worried about the trajectory of the church during and after the transition.

This should not be the case and it doesn’t have to be. We believe you should be able to transition to a new Sr. Pastor and be excited for the church as well as the years of personal ministry that are ahead of you.

We understand the stakes involved for you personally and for the church, which is why after 40 years in the ministry and successfully transitioning my church I started Real Church Solutions and wrote a book about transitioning leadership.

In my book Pastoral Transitions, I show you that there is another way, the plan we used to transition successfully, and what you’ll need to do to achieve that for you and your church.

We’d love to help you on your journey to transition your leadership to the next Sr. Pastor. So you can stop worrying about how your church will handle the transition and instead make the most of this amazing season of your life and ministry.

Founder and CEO

DR. GARY A. SMITH

Gary faithfully served the church for 37 years. He was Sr. Pastor at Fielder Church in Arlington, TX for 27 of those years. God used Gary to grow that church and when it came time for a new leader, by God’s grace, Gary led that process well. He’s helped many other churches and Pastors navigate the waters of leadership transitions. That’s why he started Real Church Solutions. If we can help, reach out today by requesting a call with Gary.
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Dr. Russ Barksdale
I have known Gary Smith for over two decades and have watched how well he led his church through numerous kinds of transitions at Fielder Church during his tenure....
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Dr. Russ Barksdale
Next Level Leadership
☆☆☆☆☆
I have known Gary Smith for over two decades and have watched how well he led his church through numerous kinds of transitions at Fielder Church during his tenure. But his greatest work was transitioning out of leadership after 25 years as the Senior Pastor. He not only succeeded, by all accounts he exceeded even the best succession transitions of record. The principles he identifies in his book, Pastoral Transitions, will guide church leaders in every kind of transition, particularly those of succession.  Frankly, most churches don’t do well in transitioning from a long-term pastor to a new one. Gary did it and has unique insight that can help churches who face succession transitions.  The book is easy to read and incredibly practical. This needs to be a ‘must-read’ for any seminary student or church leader.
Dr. Russ Barksdale
Dr. Russ Barksdale
Next Level Leadership
Bill Elliff
Every church goes through pastoral transitions, but few do it well. We desperately need help in such seasons and Gary Smith gives us what we need in this...
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Bill Elliff
Summitt Church
☆☆☆☆☆
Every church goes through pastoral transitions, but few do it well. We desperately need help in such seasons and Gary Smith gives us what we need in this great book. Not only has Gary successfully led through such a transition, but he has helped scores of great churches do the same, including ours. Gary’s wise and godly advice will help your church honor God’s man and install God’s next man with grace. Please read this book! The future of your church may depend upon it.
Bill Elliff
Bill Elliff
Summitt Church
Dr. Stephen Davis

Gary Smith has provided much-needed insight to any Pastor and Church that is moving toward a Pastoral transition. He has done the leg work, interviews,...

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FBC Russellville
☆☆☆☆☆

Gary Smith has provided much-needed insight to any Pastor and Church that is moving toward a Pastoral transition. He has done the leg work, interviews, and research to assist any through this challenging emotional, financial, and spiritual demanding time. Dr. Smith’s book is the pacesetter for transitioning your church.

Dr. Stephen Davis
FBC Russellville
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