30 episodes

Many of us have experienced the sting of losing a job. But there’s something uniquely challenging about leaving a position in full-time vocational ministry. Whether you’re stepping down from a church or leaving a kingdom nonprofit, it’s not as simple as just changing jobs.

Suddenly, everything changes. You’re left navigating not just a career transition, but also a profound shift in identity, community, and daily routines. It feels like stepping into an unknown, filled with questions like, ”What’s next? How do I redefine myself outside the ministry? How do I maintain my faith amidst this transition?”

We’ve been there, navigating the complex journey from vocational ministry to a new chapter in our lives. We’ll explore stories of transformation, hear from those who’ve walked this path before, and provide practical strategies to turn your transition into a season of growth. Remember, every ending is a new beginning.

Life After Ministry Matt + Marilee Davis

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 5.0 • 13 Ratings

Many of us have experienced the sting of losing a job. But there’s something uniquely challenging about leaving a position in full-time vocational ministry. Whether you’re stepping down from a church or leaving a kingdom nonprofit, it’s not as simple as just changing jobs.

Suddenly, everything changes. You’re left navigating not just a career transition, but also a profound shift in identity, community, and daily routines. It feels like stepping into an unknown, filled with questions like, ”What’s next? How do I redefine myself outside the ministry? How do I maintain my faith amidst this transition?”

We’ve been there, navigating the complex journey from vocational ministry to a new chapter in our lives. We’ll explore stories of transformation, hear from those who’ve walked this path before, and provide practical strategies to turn your transition into a season of growth. Remember, every ending is a new beginning.

    I'm Not Dying In The Pulpit (featuring Dr. Toney Parks)

    I'm Not Dying In The Pulpit (featuring Dr. Toney Parks)

    Summary

    In this conversation, Pastor Toney Parks shares his journey from an unlikely candidate to becoming a pastor and his experiences growing up in Birmingham. He discusses the influence of Martin Luther King Jr. and the importance of community in the black church. Pastor Parks reflects on his 32 years of pastoring a church and the decision to retire. He emphasizes the need for pastors to prepare for retirement and shares his own plans for life after ministry.

    • 49 min
    Trusting The Good Shepherd (featuring Jon Morrison)

    Trusting The Good Shepherd (featuring Jon Morrison)

    Summary

    Jon Morrison shares his journey from vocational ministry to entrepreneurship. He discusses his call to ministry, the catalyst that brought him out of ministry, and the challenges he faced during the scrambling season. Jon emphasizes the transferable skills that pastors possess and how they can be applied in the marketplace. He shares his own experiences in entrepreneurship and highlights the blessings and opportunities that come with life after ministry. Jon encourages pastors to have hope and embrace the new possibilities that await them.

    • 39 min
    Hope, Healing, and Health After Ministry (featuring Alan Ramsey)

    Hope, Healing, and Health After Ministry (featuring Alan Ramsey)

    Summary

    Alan Ramsey shares his journey of transitioning out of vocational ministry and into a new career. He discusses the challenges and emotions he faced during this transition, as well as the support he received from his church leadership. Alan highlights the transferable skills he gained from ministry and how they apply to his current role as a corporate chaplain. He emphasizes the importance of giving oneself time to grieve and process the end of a ministry season. Alan also shares his perspective on finding hope, healing, and health in life after ministry.

    Takeaways

    Transitioning out of vocational ministry can be a challenging and emotional process.

    Transferable skills gained from ministry can be valuable in a new career.

    Giving oneself time to grieve and process the end of a ministry season is important.

    Finding hope, healing, and health in life after ministry is possible.

    • 34 min
    The Wilderness Paradox (featuring Ian & Sharalee Smith)

    The Wilderness Paradox (featuring Ian & Sharalee Smith)

    Summary

    In this conversation, Ian and Sharalee Smith share their journey of transitioning in and out of ministry and the lessons they have learned along the way. They discuss the decision to have six children and the challenges and blessings of raising a large family. They also talk about living in the wilderness and the importance of trusting God in uncertain times. They share their experiences of stepping out in faith and the invitation to know God on a deeper level. Finally, they discuss their current work with the Hero Collective and the importance of living one day at a time.

    • 43 min
    Forfeiting Your Soul In Ministry (featuring Shawn & Sonny Hennessy)

    Forfeiting Your Soul In Ministry (featuring Shawn & Sonny Hennessy)

    This conversation explores the challenges and struggles faced by pastors and their families in ministry. The guests, Shawn and Sonny Hennessy, share their personal journey of leaving ministry and finding restoration. They discuss the need for emotional growth, the systemic issues within the church, and the importance of creating a culture of vulnerability. They also highlight their work in providing a retreat center for pastors and individuals in need of healing and restoration. The conversation emphasizes the idea that there is life after ministry and that God can use individuals in various ways outside of traditional ministry roles.

    • 45 min
    Ministry Is Not Defined By Who Signs Your Paycheck (featuring Michael Shafer)

    Ministry Is Not Defined By Who Signs Your Paycheck (featuring Michael Shafer)

    Summary

    Dr. Michael Shafer shares his journey of transitioning out of full-time ministry and starting G6 Allies, a ministry that supports pastors and church leaders. He discusses the challenges he faced, including being blindsided by his termination and the impact it had on his family. Despite the difficulties, he found healing and purpose in helping other pastors and their families through G6 Allies. He also shares his experience of starting G6 Church and the importance of building resilient Christian leaders. Overall, his story highlights the resilience and faithfulness of God in the midst of life’s challenges.

    • 33 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
13 Ratings

13 Ratings

Christakidd ,

Thank you!

Thank you for shining a light on this subject. My husband has worked at 2 churches and he has had similar experiences of hurt. Thankful the Lord is still good and faithful!

BK-TheHumanOne ,

What is needed!

This podcast is soo good. Marilee and Matt do a terrific job of speaking to life after ministry. Both from their own perspective but also as they interview and talk with others. Heartfelt, sincere and genuine. The world needs this podcast! Thank you for doing this.

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