Is There Life After Ministry?

Helping Staff Transition To What’s Next

A question that lingers in the hallways of church offices and in the hearts of some pastors is, “Is there life after vocational ministry?” We know ministry work is more than just a job—it’s a calling that intricately makes its way into our identity, community, and sense of purpose.

What happens when a ministry leader steps away—or is asked to step away from this calling? Is there life after ministry? Is there ministry after ministry? Indeed, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” But the approach to these transitions can make a profound difference.

Join David Fletcher and Matt Davis for a discussion on this hot topic. This episode is for leaders who have ever had to face the delicate task of guiding staff through transitions out of ministry.

It’s about more than just a farewell—it’s about ensuring that the departing leader leaves with hope and dignity, while the remaining staff and congregation retain trust and respect in the process. Matt will share practical steps and thoughtful strategies, beyond the usual severance package, to help the outgoing pastor thrive in their next chapter.

About the Author: Matt Davis

Matt Davis is the President of Pastoral Transitions. He served as a Teaching and Executive Pastor for more than two decades in Orange County, California. After going through his own pastoral transition out of ministry, Matt learned the difficulty of this season. He helped start Pastoral Transitions, a ministry committed to helping ministry leaders navigate pastoral transitions with grace. He also launched a nonprofit called The Jewish Road with his dad, where they help Christians make sense of the roots of their faith and help the Jewish people make sense of Jesus. Matt is thankful for the opportunity to help others tell their story—something that has been so instrumental in his own life journey. He is grateful to be doing life with his wife of more than 20 years, Marilee, and their amazing three teenagers, Noah, Jed, and Karis. They now live in Lexington, Kentucky, where they are surrounded by horses, beauty, and a connected community.