I would like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and all the best for the coming New Year. I have really appreciated your interest and support throughout 2022. It has been a good year with much to be thankful for but another crazy one in many ways – with continued uncertainty around the COVID pandemic, the economy, and our world in general.
Nicole and I have been based back in Melbourne for a while now after spending a few enjoyable years living on the Sunshine Coast. In the end, relationships trumped geography for us. All of our adult children and their partners, as well as our two beautiful grandchildren, are here in Melbourne and we look forward to celebrating Christmas together.
My audio podcast continues to reach and assist many people with almost 10,000 downloads of the 82 episodes released so far.
The seven books I have written continue to inspire and help a large variety of people. They are available in paperback or eBook formats, and in most countries of the world.
I have appreciated the opportunities to speak at various churches and in a variety of webinars and training events. [My upcoming schedule of speaking engagements is regularly updated as new events are committed to. If I can be of help to your church or leadership community through a Sunday message or other training event, don’t hesitate to ask]
Do take care and may you have an enjoyable Christmas and a restful holiday season!
Next week is Spring here in Melbourne. It will be a new season – and a time for new beginnings and new things. I’m excited to be creating something NEW myself – starting next Wednesday. Watch this space!
This time last Monday morning, I checked the news headlines on my phone. I read the top news release: “Kobe Bryant and his daughter killed in a helicopter crash.” What a shock! I have been an avid basketball fan since I lived in the USA back in the 1970s. I have followed the National Basketball Association (NBA) ever since. Growing up, my favourite player was Michael Jordan, probably the greatest player ever to play the game. I played basketball for many years including with my two sons. To this day, we love to watch the NBA together and see the latest teams and players compete.
Kobe Bryant was the Michael Jordan of this generation, having won many NBA titles and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. I watched him play on TV many times and admired his amazing skill, intense passion, and relentless drive to win (referred to as ‘the Mamba Mentality’).
Kobe was only 41 years of age and his daughter, Gianna, was 13 years old. Seven others were also killed in the tragic crash. At times like this, there is grief, sadness and loss. It is so hard to know what to say. Tributes flow in from everywhere – friends, associates and family. But the shock is there. Lives cut short. Death. It is so final. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of all those killed in this fatal accident.
Having lost my own father and step-mother in the last 18 months, death and funerals have been a part of our lives of late. Late last year, I participated in a radio interview on the topic of “What happens when I die?’ [My wife saw the humour in the social media advertisement that read, “What happens when I die with Mark Conner?”] Look out for the interview airing soon on radio as part of ‘Bigger Questions‘ with Robert Martin. Also, if you didn’t get a chance, you may be interested in my BLOG post on “What happens after death?” which I wrote after my step-mother’s funeral.
At the very least, sudden death is a reminder to all of us to make every day count and to be fully present each moment. And be sure to express your love and appreciation for the special people in your world. Love them while you can.
Over these last few years, I have been coaching quite a few pastors across Australia and a few overseas. It’s a privilege to come along side these church leaders from different denominations and contexts and offer them encouragement and advice in a wide range of aspects of personal ministry and church life.
One of the most common questions I am asked it about church finances and especially how church leaders can raise more money for the vision they have for their church. Because of this, I was excited to be asked by Generous to participate in an upcoming webinar on “How to Create a Culture of Generous Givers in Your Church”.
If this is of interest to you, join me as I share practical ways that pastors can inspire their congregation to be more generous in every area of their lives and to contribute financially to the vision of the church.
Hi there. I haven’t blogged for a while so I thought it was time for a mid-year update.
Can you believe we are into the second half of 2019!? Time sure flies, and more so as you get a little older. I turn 58 years old in a few months time and I often wonder where the years went. It seems like yesterday I was only 20 years old! With more of my life behind me, it definitely makes me consider what is important and what has meaning for me. Simply being ‘busy’ or accumulating more stuff or becoming more ‘popular’ quickly looses its significance. Family and friendships become more meaningful. So does reflection and contemplation. How easy it is to be living in the ‘fast lane’ without ever thinking about your life and its overall direction. Doing work that makes a genuine difference in the lives of people also matters more.
What about you? Have you paused to think about your own life lately, what you are learning and where you are heading? The clock tends to dominate our world – “what time is it and how much have I got done today?” In contrast, the compass is an important measurement instrument that so often gets neglected. It is more about direction than speed and it prioritises purpose over mere progress.
In the last 12 months …
My dad and step-mum, KevinandRene Conner, both passed away. They lived full lives and influenced a lot of people. I miss them both but I’m very thankful for their input and encouragement to me over the years. I’ve been putting quite a bit of time into ensuring my dad’s legacy lives on through his teachings. His web site has information about all of his books, a new podcast of his teaching through the years, and two new online video courses, which were his original ‘Key of Knowledge’ seminar that equipped hundreds of people around the world to study and interpret the Bible for themselves.
Nicole and I relocated to Melbourne last May after 18 months living in the Sunshine Coast. We loved our time in Queensland. It was a time to refresh, refuel, and re-calibrate after many decades of crazy-busy ministry leading a large, growing church. However, we missed Melbourne (even the rain … and the four season in one day!) and especially our family. In the end, for us, relationships trumped geography. After renting in the Blairgowrie area on the Mornington Peninsula for a year, we are now renting in Elwood – near the city and the Bay. What a beautiful part of our city.
Nicole and I recently celebrated 33 years of married life. Nicoleis engaged in a variety of things at the moment, including teaching part time at Eastern College for their history subjects as one of their adjunct lecturers and she has also recently launched her own narrative therapy practice.
Personally, I am enjoying being part of the teaching team at Bayside Church for Rob and Christie Buckingham where I speak about once a month as well as speaking at other churches (including a few churches in Perth that I am assisting) and training events (see my schedule) and providing personal coaching to quite a few church leaders around Australia. I am thoroughly enjoying this new season of life and ministry. I sure don’t miss the constant pressure and burden of leading a large, complex organisation. For me, it’s all about a “a slower pace, a simpler life, and a smaller world”, which was why I decided to make a significant vocational change back in early 2017 (see “Time to Say Goodbye“).
Last year, I wrote three new books. I have another three books all ready to write but just need to allocate some time to do so. Hopefully, I’ll get started in the next few months. My new podcast is starting to gain more interest too (also available on Apple iTunes).
Well, that’s all from me with this mid-year update.
I’ll finish with a prayer for you from the apostle Paul … which I will be speaking on at Bayside this coming weekend as part of a message entitled ‘Finding Hope’.
UPDATE: Watch the video of this 30 minute message on You Tube.
It’s hard to believe my dear dad, Kevin Conner, is gone. He passed away peacefully just over 4 months ago. He had recently turned 92 years of age.
I miss him. However, his legacy lives on in our hearts and lives … and in his contributions. Dad was a well-known Bible teacher. He wrote over 60 books, all of which continue to speak to people all over the world – in paperback format and many also in eBook format. Visit his web site for a list of all of his books, listed alphabetically and by category.
Dad didn’t only study the Bible, then teach and write about his insights. He loved to train others to do the same for themselves. His “Key of Knowledge” Seminar was attend by 100s of people and empowered them to do their own Bible research, interpretation and application. This week-long seminar is now available as an online course, with over 13 hours of video teaching, downloadable textbooks, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply the teaching. There are two parts:
Visit the links above to find out more and also to take advantage of some special deals on right now giving you lifelong access to these materials. These can be used by yourself or by a small group of people who want to do the course together. The first lesson in Part 1 is free, so you can see if this course is for you.
Thanks dad for your example and for your ongoing contribution to the church world-wide.
I am excited to announce a new podcast of my teaching messages. This podcast is available directly from Podbean (including on their mobile Apps) or from Apple’s iTunes (including all iTunes Apps) or from within Spotify (if you are a subscriber). It is not possible to publish podcasts on Google Play from Australia yet.
Every week or so a message will be published, selected from recent messages I have spoken at various churches or conferences, as well as some messages given over the years when I was at the Senior Minister at CityLife Church (1995-2016) and more recently as a teaching team member for Bayside Church (2018 onwards) in Melbourne.
I also intend on including some conversational podcasts on a variety of relevant issues and topics in the near future.
Be sure to subscribe so you are notified of recent releases.
Finally, you might like to visit the Media section of my web site where you will find video messages and some of my music.
Thank you to all of those who attended or watched the thanksgiving service for my dad, Kevin Conner, today at CityLife Church in Melbourne, Australia. We also appreciate the many messages that people have sent in, offering support and prayers, as well as commemorating my dad’s life.
A link where you can watch a video of the funeral service.
Eulogy of his life – 92 years, well-lived.
A Poem I wrote about him, called Nearing the End.
A dedicated web page where you can leave a personal tribute to his life.
Information about what’s next in my dad’s ongoing ministry impact.
Dad was a remarkable man, rising above adversity and rejection to make a significant mark on his Pentecostal religious world at this time in history. He grew up as an orphan, without a mum or a dad, yet he did his best to be the dad he never had to my sister, Sharon, and I. Our loss is heaven’s gain. No doubt, he is hearing from Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”
I hope that you had an enjoyable Christmas season and that the new year has gotten off to a good start for you.
Nicole and I have been living back in Melbourne since late May 2018. We thoroughly enjoyed our 18 months living in the Sunshine Coast but decided to come back to be near our family, especially my ageing parents. Rene Conner, my step mum, passed away on 4th October last year at age 89. She lived a good and full life. My dad, Kevin Conner, turns 92 in a few weeks time and has been living in an aged care home for over a year now where he is well looked after and where friends and family can visit him regularly.
It’s hard to believe that it has almost been two years since I finished up as Senior Minister of CityLife Church. This change was a big one for me and a huge step into the great unknown. As difficult as transitions and liminal spaces can be, I can attest that endings make way for new beginnings. I am thoroughly enjoying my new life and the vocational contributions I am now making in coaching, training, speaking, and writing.
Videos of messages I have given, including everything I spoke on at Bayside Church last year where I am part of the teaching team with Pastor Rob Buckingham.
If you want to make the most out of this year, by setting some clear goals that reflect what has value and meaning to you, then I highly recommend “Your Best Year Ever” by Michael Hyatt.
Finally, may 2019 be full of memorable moments, meaningful contribution, and dreams fulfilled. Remember to live simply, laugh often, and love deeply.
I am excited to announce the release of my latest book “How to Avoid Burnout – Five Habits of Healthy Living.”
Here is the description:
“In a world of rapid change, growing complexity and increasing pressure, stress and burnout are becoming far too common. In this practical book, Mark Conner shares five habits for healthy living, gleaned from his decades of experience as an organizational leader and Christian minister.”Continue reading “NEW Book Release: “How to Avoid Burnout””→
Mark has just released a new book called Money Talks: Practical Wisdom for Becoming Financially Free.
Those of us who live in the Western world live in some of the richest countries on the planet yet, despite this fact, many people are under financial pressure. In this book, I share practical principles for becoming financially free and living wisely with the resources we have. Learn fresh insights about earning, saving, investing, debt reduction and spending wisely. The book also includes extra material on alleviating poverty, church finances, fundraising and the purpose of business.
For those who live in Australia, you can order a paperback copy from WORD Australia for the special price of $15.00 (RRP $17.99).
OR you can purchase it in eBook format for Kindle, or other eReaders, on the Australian Amazon site (for AUS $11.99).
OR, if you live in a country other than Australia, you can purchase the international edition in paperback format on Amazon (US $12.99) or in eBook format for Kindle also on the USA Amazon site (for US $9.23) or 10 other Amazon sites around the world (check your locality).
Some Endorsements:
“It is often not productive to ask pastors for their views on finance or financiers for their views on pastoral care. It is therefore very refreshing to read Mark Conner’s ‘Money Talks: Practical Principles for Becoming Financially Free’, which blends the insights of the pastor with the practical applications of someone who has thought carefully about the power that money has over us. He tackles the biblical road map to freedom in financial matters with a persuasive skill and hands on application.”
Ken Costa, Author: God at Work
“Mark Conner has a wealth of experience when it comes to the vital subject of how Christians should handle their money. In this practical guide to saving, spending and giving, he helps us view our finances from God’s perspective. He eloquently explains where our hearts should be focussed and offers biblical financial principles that stand the test of time. It’s a timely antidote to this age of conspicuous consumption.”
Tim Costello, Chief Advocate, World Vision Australia
“Mark Conner’s capacity as a leader is only outweighed by his honesty, big-heartedness and integrity. In the chapters of this book we see his authenticity jump off each page. “Money Talks” is not only accessible and well researched – it is REAL! His down to earth teaching is heaven sent – a balm for the fiscally frazzled!”
Rob Buckingham, Senior Minister, Bayside Church Melbourne
“This is a timely and significant book about managing our money well. Mark provides practical ideas to help us improve our thinking about money as well as our daily practices. This book is a great read!”
Lisa McInness Smith, Global Keynote Speaker. Best-Selling Author. Transformational Coach
“In the time I have known Mark, his strength of character, leadership and deep understanding of biblical teachings have had a profound impact on my life. Mark’s ability to translate complex issues into simple and actionable disciplines is a rare gift, and it is one that he delivers in a deeply personal and authentic way. One of the many principles that Mark has taught and practiced both in his personal life and church leadership role, is financial freedom. As a student of Mark’s teaching, I have witnessed individuals and families transform their financial situations from being hamstrung with credit card debt to owning their own properties and running successful businesses. With the wisdom contained in these chapters, I am confident that reading this book will challenge your perspective on biblical stewardship and provide you with the tools to achieve true financial freedom.”
Dan Daniels, Founder and Global CEO Daniels Health
“Finances can be the F word for many of us, but Dr Mark Conner is a person to trust when it comes to making sense of financial headaches. From million dollar budgets in some of largest churches to standing with people living in extreme poverty, Mark has seen it all. With 7 in 10 people currently living on less than $10 a day and disparity between rich and poor creating global instability, this book could not be more urgent or important. This book will especially help us Christians in rich countries to take stock, pray, think and find imaginative ways to be a solution to injustice in the world by making the most of God’s resources at our disposal. Please read this practical, prophetic book and act on Mark’s advice. It will help us all.”
Rev Dr Ash Barker – Director, Newbigin School for Urban Leadership (NewbiginHouse.uk)
I am really excited to be part of a special 2 day event coming up in Melbourne, Australia on 19-20th November 2018 (no longer 5-6th June) for pastors. It is called The GREAT LEAP.
This 28-hour intensive for pastors is a fast-track program to help church leaders gain greater clarity of how they want to spend the second half of their life and make it count. Designed to inspire and challenge high-capacity pastors and ministry leaders, this program will help you pause, reflect and take control of your life.
Our aim is to provide a life-changing, world class experience (using the Halftime process) to assist church leaders to pause so they can gain greater clarity around their God-given calling, resulting in a fresh game plan for the second half of their life and ministry.
If you are interested, sign up soon as numbers are limited.
Mark Conner
“I invite you to join us on this life-changing and unique, highly interactive world class intensive that has proven results and lasting impact. Previously only accessible by traveling to Dallas, Texas, it’s available right here in Melbourne, Australia.”
It’s hard to believe we are already into February! The new year is well underway. I am loving life and really enjoying this new season. Nicole and I continue to base in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland with regular visits to Melbourne to visit our family and friends.
This year, I am giving my time to a variety of pursuits including speaking, coaching pastors and church leaders, and some work with Halftime Australia. I’ve also been updating my dad’s web site (Kevin Conner), including uploading a number of his books in eBook format on Amazon, and my wife’s web site too (Nicole Conner).
There has been a lot of change for me and my family since this time last year but we are so glad that we made the choices we did – to begin a new chapter and launch out into the unknown.
I hope that year is off to a good start for you too.
All the best.
[A special thanks to Tim Harris from www.truetribe.com.au for the new web front page photo]
A link to Mark’s Resources including his BLOG, the Books he has written, and links to various messages available on video, as well as some worship music (audio and video).
A Contact Form for anyone wanting to make enquiries.
