Are you passionate about a particular cause? Do you want to make a difference in the world? Then you could use some money. It’s commendable to have a vision for a better future but without
My Top Ten Fund-Raising Tips
How to Create a Culture of Generous Givers in Your Church
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.… Read the rest
Songs of Praise by Mark Conner
In my younger years, I was very involved in church worship music. I played the piano for church services, led times of worship, wrote songs, directed a choir, and did some studio recording work. Occasionally, when speaking at various churches and conferences today, I will go to the piano and sing one of my own compositions.… Read the rest
To Russia With Love
As I teenager I loved to play RISK, a board game similar to Monopoly, but in RISK the goal is to conquer the world, not just own the houses in the neighbourhood. Each player is dealt a certain number of countries and armies to placer on them.… Read the rest
My Experience with Burnout
My first encounter with burnout was back in 2002. I experienced what I would call an ‘emotional valley’ that lasted for about 6 months. I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me but it took everything within me just to make it through the next meeting, the next appointment or the next project.… Read the rest
God’s Story Building Project
Most churches I have been a part of over the years have undergone a building project or extension at some time. Of course, a church is not a building nor is a building ever meant to be the vision or the focus.… Read the rest
Church Life AFTER Marriage Equality: The Questions No One Is Asking
Right now, Australians are deliberating about just one question – “Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?” A majority of conservative Christians (as well as Jews and Muslims) are campaigning for a 'No' vote, while less are saying it should be 'Yes'.… Read the rest
Pass the Baton: Successful Leadership Transition
CityLife Church, located in Melbourne Australia, had three Senior Ministers in the first 50 years of it's history. Richard Holland was the founding pastor and led the church for 20 years, followed by my father, Kevin Conner, who led the church for the next 8 years.… Read the rest
The Stresses of Church Work
I would never suggest that pastors and church leaders work harder than other people … but church work has its unique challenges and pressures.
Here are five of them:
1. Ministry work is never done. It is open ended. There is never full closure.… Read the rest
A Church United
John 17 is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus and it reveals what was important to him. After praying for himself (vs.1-5) and his disciples (vs.6-19), he prayed for all who would believe in him – for the church yet to born (vs.20-26).… Read the rest
Navigating Transitions
At a recent conference, I shared a message about "Navigating Transitions".
Here is a summary of the main insights I shared:
1. Trust God for the Future.
Life is a journey with many seasons. We can have a sense of where we have come from, where we are now and where we are going.… Read the rest
Transforming Your Church
When I became the Senior Minister of CityLife Church back in 1995, I invested extensive time in prayer, study, research and reflection about principles for building a healthy and effective church. As a result, I was prompted to lead our church through seven "strategic shifts" over the next few years.… Read the rest
The Supper
As we move towards Easter, let's take a look at the supper from Mark 14:12-26.
Part of our God-given humanity is the instinct to celebrate significant moments with significant meals (e.g. Christmas, birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries). Sharing a meal bonds a family, a group of friends, a team, a collection of colleagues together.… Read the rest
Jesus’ Ministry
The Gospel of Matthew tells us this about the ministry of Jesus:
Matthew 9:35-37. Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.… Read the rest
Four Kinds of Churches
There are four kinds of churches in the world today:
- The Museum Church. They are old and beautiful but empty (like the picture above). No one goes there. They are showpieces of past. Sadly, there is no spiritual vitality within their ancient walls.