Host Stephen Henderson continues American Black Journal’s yearlong series on The Black Church in Detroit with a look at Pastoral Succession in the Black Church.

Rev. Dr. Tony Henderson, associate professor of practical theology at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary, explains how succession planning and the process of selecting new church leadership varies according to the denomination. And, he speaks to the importance of churches having a plan in place.

Plus, Stephen talks with Rev. Dr. Jim Holley, senior pastor of Historic Little Rock Baptist Church in Detroit, about his decision to step down at the end of the year after 50 years leading the church. They talk about his reason for retiring now, how the succession process is going, the next generation of leadership, and his hopes for the future of the church.