Recently, I watched Conclave on Amazon Prime – partly out of my ongoing fascination with spiritual leadership, and also intrigued by the timing. Ralph Fiennes plays the lead role. While I didn’t fully connect with some of the underlying messages and found the casting of familiar faces as cardinals a bit overdone, the film still offered a compelling glimpse into what the researchers behind the production wanted to show us about leadership transitions.
Whenever a pope dies or resigns, the world’s media flocks to a ceremony steeped in both mystery and historical gravity: the conclave. Derived from the Latin cum clave – “with key” – it refers to the cardinals being literally locked away until they’ve selected a new pope through prayer and deliberation. The Roman Catholic Church treats this transition as a sacred responsibility, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead the process. The color of the smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney signals whether a decision has been made.
With a touch of nostalgia, I find myself asking – recalling those idealistic seminary days – how do Protestant, Baptist, and Evangelical churches handle leadership transitions? And what can we learn today from Scripture, early church history, and even the Catholic tradition?
The Conclave: Ceremony, Prayer, and Spiritual Responsibility
During a conclave, all eligible cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Voting is secret and requires a two-thirds majority. Each round is preceded by prayer, and the faithful believe the Holy Spirit leads the process.
“The conclave is not a political convention, but a spiritual event. It is the Spirit who leads, not merely strategy.”
— Pope Benedict XVI
The newly elected pope is revealed when white smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney — a visible sign that consensus has been reached.
Protestant and Evangelical Leadership Transitions: Diverse and Charismatic
Unlike the centralized structure of the Catholic Church, leadership transitions in Protestant circles are often decentralized. Yet here too, deep prayer, communal discernment, and prophetic insight play a role.
In most Protestant traditions, pastors are appointed based on theological training, character, spiritual gifts, and a recognized sense of calling—both personally and communally. In Reformed churches, this typically happens through church councils or regional assemblies. In more Evangelical and charismatic contexts, the process often includes prophetic confirmation and communal prayer.
“Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you…”
(1 Timothy 1:18)
The Greek word used for “command” here is παραγγελία (parangelia) — a term that implies both instruction and spiritual charge, pointing to leadership as a divinely inspired calling rather than a mere organizational appointment.
Baptists: Autonomy and Calling
Baptist churches are typically congregational in structure, meaning each local church governs itself. Leaders are often elected by the congregation after a process involving sermons, interviews, and prayer. This leads to the familiar “church meeting with ballots” approach.
The emphasis lies on personal calling and communal affirmation. Acts 13:2 speaks directly to this kind of spiritual appointment:
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
(Acts 13:2)
The phrase “set apart for Me” (ἀφορίσατε δή μοι) implies a sacred consecration—not based on hierarchy, but on divine appointment and recognition.
Charismatic-Evangelical Churches: Apostolic and Prophetic Affirmation
In charismatic and Evangelical contexts, leadership often draws inspiration from New Testament models, such as Jesus selecting the twelve apostles after a night of prayer:
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.”
(Luke 6:12–13)
This form of leadership transition is relational, spiritually guided, and often includes prophetic confirmation. How it’s structured varies widely between congregations. In some cases, it’s a quiet announcement flowing from an internal succession process; in others—such as with Baptists—it involves a formal process of recognition and congregational approval.
“Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world.”
— John Wesley
This reflects the deep conviction that leadership is not primarily about structure but about spiritual authority, character, and calling.
Does the Model Matter?
Yes, the method of appointing leaders in the church absolutely matters. Each model—whether a Catholic conclave or a Baptist ballot—carries both spiritual power and inherent vulnerability. Here are three key advantages and challenges:
1. Democracy doesn’t naturally belong in the Church.
While voting and participation can foster involvement, spiritual leadership is not a popularity contest. Scripture emphasizes divine selection through the Spirit (Acts 13:2), prophetic affirmation (1 Timothy 1:18), and prayerful discernment (Luke 6:12–13).
“The church is not a democracy. Christ is the head, and where He reigns, self-interest dies.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer
In practice, voting often causes delays due to dissenters or hidden agendas. Change is uncomfortable for many, and resistance can rise quickly. In some Evangelical churches, this puts spiritual unity and renewal under strain, giving way to personal preferences rather than Spirit-led vision.
2. Spiritual maturity is assumed but not guaranteed.
We often assume that believers can discern the voice of the Spirit, but Hebrews 5:14 reminds us:
“Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Not every church member or elder is spiritually equipped at that level. Elections can become more reflective of group dynamics than divine guidance. Many churchgoers have sat awkwardly through Q&A sessions, listening to “Aunt Jannie” raise concerns about a leader’s theology or character—while everyone suspected her objections had more to do with unresolved issues than discernment. This raises fair questions about whether every voice should automatically carry weight.
3. Jealousy, power, and politics are ever-present threats.
Even in the most prayerful environments, envy, rivalry, and hidden motives can surface. As James 3:16 warns:
“Where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
This is true even in conclaves—and no less in church councils or prophetic gatherings.
“The Church is holy, but made up of sinners. Let every appointment be bathed in tears and prayer.”
— Augustine of Hippo
The enemy of the Church delights in exploiting woundedness and sin in both leaders and members to tear apart communities. Our nation is strewn with casualties—wounded believers and entire congregations—where spiritual authority was either abused or sabotaged.
What Now?
Leadership transitions are nothing new. From Jesus to the apostles, from Paul to Timothy, from Peter to James as head of the Jerusalem church — God has always raised up leaders for each season. What is new in our day is the rediscovery of apostolic-prophetic leadership, where character is more important than charisma, and anointing follows yieldedness—not the other way around.
Four key truths are emerging again in this season:
1.God builds through people, not just structures. Kingdom growth happens when individuals are formed and made available. Structures are helpful, but never replace calling and formation.
2.Character precedes power. Leadership without integrity leads to spiritual abuse. It’s not about talent or stage presence but about inward surrender to Christ. That’s the kind of vessel power can flow through without causing damage.
3.Anointed, character-driven leadership equips others. Apostolic leaders empower, release, and think in terms of legacy and mandates. They don’t control; they multiply, release, and send.
4.There is a restoration of biblical leadership models. The Spirit is reawakening the fivefold ministry (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher – Ephesians 4:11), where every part takes its place and Christ is truly the Head.
Wherever people gather to be the Church, human ego, pain, and even spiritual darkness show up. Leadership in the Church is profoundly spiritual, vulnerable, and essential. What pains me is that an entire generation is coming to faith—only to enter the raw, broken reality we’ve come to call “church.” Unknowingly, they step into a battlefield of fleshly behavior, demonic strategies, wounded souls, and communities paralyzed by fear or religiosity.
Let us enter into conclave—but first and foremost with the Lord of the harvest. Let us seek Him to appoint leaders who, with both power and character, will establish His blueprint for the many churches still in need of healing or planting—not out of ambition, but out of humility and revelation.
Is it time for new or renewed leadership in your church—or in a church yet to be planted? What color smoke will rise from your chimney?
Sven Leeuwestein
Need guidance? Want to reflect on leadership as a team? Reach out.
Whenever a pope dies or resigns, the world’s media flocks to a ceremony steeped in both mystery and historical gravity: the conclave. Derived from the Latin cum clave – “with key” – it refers to the cardinals being literally locked away until they’ve selected a new pope through prayer and deliberation. The Roman Catholic Church treats this transition as a sacred responsibility, trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead the process. The color of the smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney signals whether a decision has been made.
With a touch of nostalgia, I find myself asking – recalling those idealistic seminary days – how do Protestant, Baptist, and Evangelical churches handle leadership transitions? And what can we learn today from Scripture, early church history, and even the Catholic tradition?
The Conclave: Ceremony, Prayer, and Spiritual Responsibility
During a conclave, all eligible cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Voting is secret and requires a two-thirds majority. Each round is preceded by prayer, and the faithful believe the Holy Spirit leads the process.
“The conclave is not a political convention, but a spiritual event. It is the Spirit who leads, not merely strategy.”
— Pope Benedict XVI
The newly elected pope is revealed when white smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney — a visible sign that consensus has been reached.
Protestant and Evangelical Leadership Transitions: Diverse and Charismatic
Unlike the centralized structure of the Catholic Church, leadership transitions in Protestant circles are often decentralized. Yet here too, deep prayer, communal discernment, and prophetic insight play a role.
In most Protestant traditions, pastors are appointed based on theological training, character, spiritual gifts, and a recognized sense of calling—both personally and communally. In Reformed churches, this typically happens through church councils or regional assemblies. In more Evangelical and charismatic contexts, the process often includes prophetic confirmation and communal prayer.
“Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you…”
(1 Timothy 1:18)
The Greek word used for “command” here is παραγγελία (parangelia) — a term that implies both instruction and spiritual charge, pointing to leadership as a divinely inspired calling rather than a mere organizational appointment.
Baptists: Autonomy and Calling
Baptist churches are typically congregational in structure, meaning each local church governs itself. Leaders are often elected by the congregation after a process involving sermons, interviews, and prayer. This leads to the familiar “church meeting with ballots” approach.
The emphasis lies on personal calling and communal affirmation. Acts 13:2 speaks directly to this kind of spiritual appointment:
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
(Acts 13:2)
The phrase “set apart for Me” (ἀφορίσατε δή μοι) implies a sacred consecration—not based on hierarchy, but on divine appointment and recognition.
Charismatic-Evangelical Churches: Apostolic and Prophetic Affirmation
In charismatic and Evangelical contexts, leadership often draws inspiration from New Testament models, such as Jesus selecting the twelve apostles after a night of prayer:
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.”
(Luke 6:12–13)
This form of leadership transition is relational, spiritually guided, and often includes prophetic confirmation. How it’s structured varies widely between congregations. In some cases, it’s a quiet announcement flowing from an internal succession process; in others—such as with Baptists—it involves a formal process of recognition and congregational approval.
“Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world.”
— John Wesley
This reflects the deep conviction that leadership is not primarily about structure but about spiritual authority, character, and calling.
Does the Model Matter?
Yes, the method of appointing leaders in the church absolutely matters. Each model—whether a Catholic conclave or a Baptist ballot—carries both spiritual power and inherent vulnerability. Here are three key advantages and challenges:
1. Democracy doesn’t naturally belong in the Church.
While voting and participation can foster involvement, spiritual leadership is not a popularity contest. Scripture emphasizes divine selection through the Spirit (Acts 13:2), prophetic affirmation (1 Timothy 1:18), and prayerful discernment (Luke 6:12–13).
“The church is not a democracy. Christ is the head, and where He reigns, self-interest dies.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer
In practice, voting often causes delays due to dissenters or hidden agendas. Change is uncomfortable for many, and resistance can rise quickly. In some Evangelical churches, this puts spiritual unity and renewal under strain, giving way to personal preferences rather than Spirit-led vision.
2. Spiritual maturity is assumed but not guaranteed.
We often assume that believers can discern the voice of the Spirit, but Hebrews 5:14 reminds us:
“Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Not every church member or elder is spiritually equipped at that level. Elections can become more reflective of group dynamics than divine guidance. Many churchgoers have sat awkwardly through Q&A sessions, listening to “Aunt Jannie” raise concerns about a leader’s theology or character—while everyone suspected her objections had more to do with unresolved issues than discernment. This raises fair questions about whether every voice should automatically carry weight.
3. Jealousy, power, and politics are ever-present threats.
Even in the most prayerful environments, envy, rivalry, and hidden motives can surface. As James 3:16 warns:
“Where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
This is true even in conclaves—and no less in church councils or prophetic gatherings.
“The Church is holy, but made up of sinners. Let every appointment be bathed in tears and prayer.”
— Augustine of Hippo
The enemy of the Church delights in exploiting woundedness and sin in both leaders and members to tear apart communities. Our nation is strewn with casualties—wounded believers and entire congregations—where spiritual authority was either abused or sabotaged.
What Now?
Leadership transitions are nothing new. From Jesus to the apostles, from Paul to Timothy, from Peter to James as head of the Jerusalem church — God has always raised up leaders for each season. What is new in our day is the rediscovery of apostolic-prophetic leadership, where character is more important than charisma, and anointing follows yieldedness—not the other way around.
Four key truths are emerging again in this season:
1.God builds through people, not just structures. Kingdom growth happens when individuals are formed and made available. Structures are helpful, but never replace calling and formation.
2.Character precedes power. Leadership without integrity leads to spiritual abuse. It’s not about talent or stage presence but about inward surrender to Christ. That’s the kind of vessel power can flow through without causing damage.
3.Anointed, character-driven leadership equips others. Apostolic leaders empower, release, and think in terms of legacy and mandates. They don’t control; they multiply, release, and send.
4.There is a restoration of biblical leadership models. The Spirit is reawakening the fivefold ministry (apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher – Ephesians 4:11), where every part takes its place and Christ is truly the Head.
Wherever people gather to be the Church, human ego, pain, and even spiritual darkness show up. Leadership in the Church is profoundly spiritual, vulnerable, and essential. What pains me is that an entire generation is coming to faith—only to enter the raw, broken reality we’ve come to call “church.” Unknowingly, they step into a battlefield of fleshly behavior, demonic strategies, wounded souls, and communities paralyzed by fear or religiosity.
Let us enter into conclave—but first and foremost with the Lord of the harvest. Let us seek Him to appoint leaders who, with both power and character, will establish His blueprint for the many churches still in need of healing or planting—not out of ambition, but out of humility and revelation.
Is it time for new or renewed leadership in your church—or in a church yet to be planted? What color smoke will rise from your chimney?
Sven Leeuwestein
Need guidance? Want to reflect on leadership as a team? Reach out.