By Mark Conner
Eight years ago, I stepped away from full-time church leadership after more than three decades in vocational ministry. It was a major turning point in my life — one that marked not just the end of a role, but the beginning of a new journey.
At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure how I’d feel. Would I miss the platform? The meetings? The constant rhythm of Sunday services and leadership responsibilities?
Surprisingly — or perhaps not — I felt immediate relief. In a journal entry I wrote at the time, I captured the overwhelming sense of peace: “I don’t miss it at all — not one iota. I feel no grief, only relief.”
The Gift of a Sacred Pause
Looking back, that early post-leadership season was a kind of sabbatical. The constant mental background noise — planning messages, navigating complex issues, managing people and programs — began to fade. I started to feel more present, more rested, and more connected to everyday life.
I didn’t rush to define what was next. Instead, I allowed space for rest, reflection, and realignment. It was as though I had been spinning for years, and was only just beginning to slow down. The stillness became an unexpected teacher.
Letting Questions Arise
With the slowing came questions — important ones:
- What parts of my past vocation still bring life?
- What can I let go of?
- What kind of work, if any, do I want to do moving forward?
- And how do I want to live, deep down?
There was no need to answer them all at once. In fact, living with those questions became part of the journey.
Over time, I’ve found new ways to contribute — through writing, speaking in spaces that resonate, mentoring emerging leaders, and exploring projects that reflect my evolving values. I’ve also given more time to relationships, nature, creativity, and the simple joy of being unhurried.
Eight Years Later
Today, I look back not with nostalgia, but with deep gratitude — for the years of meaningful ministry, and for the courage to move on when it was time.
Transitions like these are rarely tidy. They’re layered, unfolding slowly over time. But they also hold profound gifts, if we’re willing to listen.
If you find yourself navigating a major life change — whether out of leadership, a long-held role, or a familiar identity — here’s what I’ve learned:
Give yourself permission to pause.
Let the silence speak.
Trust the slow work of rediscovery.
There is life, purpose, and beauty on the other side of change.
P.S. Most Easter weekends for me used to be leading, speaking at, or at least attending 6-7 church meetings. This Easter, I’ll be spending with my family 🙂 Happy Easter!
Hi! Mark, thanks for sharing reflection of your post Senior Minister journey. It took courage to step down, rest, explore and reposition oneself for the kingdom of God. You continue to be an inspiration for me. Cheers. Colin
Thanks Colin! Hope you and the family are well.
But we still haven’t done some proper fishing in Westernport!
FYI look at https://christianartimages.com this is what I have been working on since you last stepped of the boat. [well a whole lot more as well]. Looking for an international marketer.
Blessings to you.
Ha ha – that was a fun boat ride anyway, even though we didn’t catch any fish. Good on you with the art work. Hope you are well.
Brilliant reflections. Men struggle to let go, but having let go myself to the daily pre suit executive leadersip, life has improved for me in every way…!
It’s so true, Tim. We easily find our identity and security in positions and titles, rather than who we are. Letting go can be scary … but quite liberating in the end.
Thank you Mark for your service over many years. I grew in maturity in faith and especially in giftings of the Holy Spirit whilst at City life over many years. I now have an interesting outreach of mostly inner healing to many people from all walks of life. I too had an abrupt change in my “career path” from police officer to a person heavily impacted by PTSD and addictions to the extent that I almost died in hospital about 11 years ago. I have experienced miracle upon miracle and i also through this period learnt to rely totally on God and seek his face everday. Despite the losses I have gained so much especially to learn the gentle art of sitting still with Father God and going deep into the word. My identity is truly in Father God and he loves me deeply. My hope is that evryone would discover their own identity in God.
Good to hear from you, Mark. All the best with this season of life and ministry for you. Sounds exciting.
Thanks Mark, & Nicole also,
You did a great job in your leadership and ministry roles over many years, we are so glad that you get to spend more time doing the things you love, and living life in the moment.
Thanks David, Appreciate it!
Wonderful insights Mark…
Let the silence speak.
Thank you.
Thanks Steve. Go well.
Thanks for sharing your insights Mark. It’s helpful to read your authentic reflections. For us leaving ministry involved grief and confusion mixed with a knowing that it waa absolutely the right thing for us to do. 9 years later we are going to one Easter service and enjoying family. We are at peace and feel grateful for the journey we have taken. We also appreciate Nicole’s wisdom shared with us a few years ago. Love to you both from Mark and I.
That’s so good to hear, Leanne. But what a journey it must have been for you and Mark. Glad you had the courage to make it … and all the best for this season. Take care.
This resonates for me. I retired 15 years ago and Judy and I moved to Warrnambool and new adventures in being together.
Yes, so true. Endings aren’t easy … but they do make way for new beginnings. Enjoy!
Dear Mark,
We thank you for the years of service to CityLife. Your teaching has shaped our life.I still used what you said about evangelism , “you will be a first link or last link and never be the missing link to lead someone to the Lord.” You had a wonderful speaking gift Mark. I wish you all the best for your new journey. God bless you and your beautiful family. Have a wonderful Easter! 🙏♥️😊
Hey, thanks Anoma. Appreciate your kind words. I’m speaking at CityLife Knox the weekend of 31st May/1st June. Might see you there 🙂