“I know firsthand how my moral betrayal was devastating, not only in my life but how it rippled into all my relationships. I also know what it took to pick up the pieces and move toward restoration. My friend Matt has a heart for the long-term healing of both pastors and those they served. The work of Pastoral Transitions is not only needed but vital for the health of the Church. After such loss and harm, we don’t need accusers, we need healers.”

— Paul Young
Author, The Shack

"I've been witness to pastoral transitions going well, and unfortunately not so well. There is a great deal at stake in these times of transition for both the church and its leadership. That's why I am so thankful for a kingdom ministry like Pastoral Transitions, that offers invaluable resources to help ease the burden on church leadership, outgoing pastors and their families. I've known Matt and I know his heart is for the church. With his compassionate approach and comprehensive advice, I highly recommend Pastoral Transitions to any ministry involved in a pastoral transition."

- Albert Tate
Lead Pastor, Fellowship Monrovia

“Pastoral transitions, under any circumstances, can be brutal. As a former pastor and church planter, I can’t imagine anyone I would trust more to walk through that process than Matt Davis and his team. Not only does he understand the sensitivities required to do it well, but he also has the authority to help leaders come out stronger on the other side. I can’t recommend Matt more highly.”

- Dane Sanders
Former Pastor, Rock Harbor Church, CEO Men & Women Of Discomfort

"After more than 40 years in church consulting, I've noticed that churches struggle to assist outgoing pastors to transition well. Now there's help for church leaders to provide care for pastors who are leaving. The team at Pastoral Transitions are experts who will guide you in the right direction as you work to love and support the families who have served you well."

- Gary L. McIntosh
Distinguished Affiliate Professor, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

“No one likes to talk about pastoral transitions gone wrong, but the fact is, they happen all the time. I know firsthand. I am an elder of a church that did not utilize Pastoral Transitions, and I often wish we could go back in a time machine. With hearts full of compassion for both pastors and churches, their team has the experience and wisdom to help them navigate one of the most difficult seasons they will ever face."

- Church Elder (wishing to remain anonymous)

“I've seen much energy devoted to bringing a pastor on board, without an appropriate exit strategy being put in place simultaneously. All too often, the actual transition of one pastor out and another in becomes dehumanizing, bureaucratic, and combative when it ought to be respectful, sacred, collaborative —always erring on the side of grace-filled. We are delighted that Pastoral Transitions has committed itself to resolving this problem on a global scale by developing thoughtful strategies for churches that both honor people involved while proceeding in divine guidance.”

- Glenn Burris
Foursquare President, 2009-2020

"From a counseling perspective, the toll that a failed pastoral transition takes on a church and a former pastor can be devastating. I've seen marriages end, families leave the faith, and people give up on the Church entirely. Pastoral Transitions is doing incredibly important work to help prevent that from happening."

- Jay Brandenburg-Nau
Licensed Marriage + Family Therapist, Restoring The Soul

We have been in church ministry for over 25 years and have seen firsthand how ill equipped the church is in honoring, not only the person but the process, of a Pastor leaving their position. Blessing, honor and care are easy on the way in but are rarely a part of the process on the way out. This leads to confusion and mistrust by not only the pastor leaving but also the staff and congregation of the church. It can take years to repair what has been ruptured and often disunity burrows it’s way in.

It does not need to be this way!

We have worked with Matt Davis over the last several years. We trust his leadership and feel confident that Pastoral Transitions will be a much needed support in these complex and challenging times. Their programs are tailored to accommodate the specific needs that are often so unique to each church. They offer a comprehensive set of services that provide ministries with the ability to navigate through these often tenuous transitions with strength, support and care.

What Pastoral Transitions offers is a biblical and pastoral solution to an often disunifying process that to this point and time has not been entirely answered in the Church. We cannot wait to see the next ongoing impact of this ministry.

- Pete Shambrook, Pastor, Spiritual Director
- Patti Shambrook, LMFT
Founders and Directors of CedarHouse

Great words from great people.

Our Work