"A local church is always one generation away from extinction."

Whoever first made this observation was right on target. Empty church buildings in towns and cities around the world are proof-positive of this statement's accuracy.

What does it take for a local church to continue to make an impact for Christ in its community generation after generation?

A major part of the answer can be found in one critical area: Leadership.

How does a church successfully hand the baton of leadership from one generation to the next? Finding the answer to this question will be the goal of our summer sermon series, "Leadershift." The Apostle Paul will be our teacher as he writes to his "next-gen" leaders, Timothy and Titus.

Christian author and leadership expert John Maxwell said, "Everything rises and falls with leadership." This is why leadership transitions in a church are so critical.

This is why a church better get its generational shifts in leadership right.

Otherwise, it might go the way of the dinosaur!