Patricia Gould-Champ, PhD, is a pastor, theologian, educator, and community leader with more than four decades of ministry experience. She served for twenty-five years as the founding senior pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, where she led the congregation in developing a holistic, community-centered ministry addressing spiritual, educational, economic, and social needs in the East End of the city. Dr. Gould-Champ is currently Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, where she teaches and mentors students preparing for pastoral and church leadership. Her scholarly and ministerial interests include pastoral leadership, succession planning, congregational care, and clergy well- being. A recognized voice in church and community leadership, Dr. Gould-Champ has been honored for her work in faith and education, including receiving the MLK Beloved Community Award from Virginia Union University. Through her writing and teaching, she continues to encourage pastors and congregations to engage leadership transition as sacred work rooted in faith, courage, and love for the church.