<![CDATA[Leadership transition is a critical yet vulnerable phase in church governance, often causing internal friction due to unstructured succession planning. While many studies examine Pauline leadership models, empirical investigations into how local churches navigate the socio-psychological and structural resistance of successors remain limited. This study aims to analyze the biblical leadership regeneration model from the Apostle Paul to Timothy in the Pastoral Epistles and formulate its contextual implications for preparing future pastoral leaders at GBIS Yerusalem Baru Surabaya. Employing a descriptive qualitative design with a biblical-theological approach, this study synthesizes library research with empirical insights from structured interviews with the senior pastoral leadership. The results demonstrate that Paul’s mentoring framework rests upon four pillars: modeling character, delegating strategic responsibilities, empowering theological resilience, and preserving doctrinal continuity. Empirically, GBIS Yerusalem Baru has initiated early-stage succession through prayer and structural mentoring, though it actively confronts complex challenges such as candidate unreadiness and motivational shifts. This research offers a unique contribution (novelty) by conceptualizing difficult candidates not as institutional failures, but as providential instruments for refining the senior pastor’s leadership capacity, underpinned by Proverbs 27:17. Ultimately, this study establishes five comprehensive criteria for future pastoral successors: profound godliness, transparent pastoral communication, unwavering task commitment, submissiveness to divine sovereignty, and collaborative synergy.]]>
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