I’m on holidays and I’m loving every minute! My time off started just over 3 weeks ago. The difference in this break is that it began with me finishing employment at the same place for over 32 years. Needless to say, I have been gradually starting to relax and unwind, although it has taken discipline to not focus on what I have ‘done’ at the end of any particular day.… Read the rest
My Farewell Address: The Meaning of Life
What does one say in a farewell address?
In biblical times, we have a record of parting words from people such as Jacob (Genesis 49:1-33), Joseph (Genesis 50:24-26), Moses (Deuteronomy 31:1 – 32:47), Joshua (Joshua 24:22-28), David (1Chronicles 29:10-20), Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20 and John 13-17) and Paul (Acts 20:18-25).… Read the rest
What’s Next?
After you say goodbye, what's next?
What’s Next for Me
I’ve been on church staff for the last 32 years and led the worship ministry as a volunteer for 5 years before that … so that's 37 years of continuous leadership responsibility.… Read the rest
Time to Say Goodbye
Last weekend was my final weekend speaking at CityLife Church as it's Senior Minister. It was a very emotional time for both Nicole and myself, but with a real sense of celebration of all that God has done. We are deeply grateful for the many words of encouragement, 'thank you' notes, gifts (I felt like a Christmas tree!),… Read the rest
The Finish Line
Today was my last official day of work for 2016. I spoke at all 5 of our church's Christmas carols presentations this weekend. It was a lot of fun and it was great to see so many people there, especially so many visitors.… Read the rest
The Great Unknown
Sometimes in life we experience 'more of the same' as we deal with the familiarity of routine. At other times, there is the adventure of new things and of entering uncharted waters. That's my life right now.
I am in the process of transitioning out of a staff role at CityLife Church where I have served in various roles for almost 32 years, and for 22 years as the Senior Minister.… Read the rest
Update on Mark and Nicole Conner
At a Special General Meeting on 6th October, the CityLife members confirmed by an overwhelming majority the unanimous nomination by the Board of Elders of Andrew Hill as the next Senior Minister of CityLife Church (read my initial announcement about leadership transition back in February 2016, in case you missed that).
Confessions: A 3 Month License Suspension
Confession time …
Right now I am in the middle of serving a 3 month driving license suspension.
Where I live in Australia, there is a demerit point system for driving offences such as speeding, driving through a red light, etc.
… Read the rest Our 30th Wedding Anniversary
30 years ago today, Nicole and I were married. She was 20 and I was 24. You never know where the road of life may lead but I couldn't imagine a better traveling companion. Nicole is a person of deep compassion, courage and conviction.… Read the rest
Mark and Nicole
Nicole and I celebrate our 30th wedding anniverary this June. Nicole is my best friend and my life's climbing companion. I can't wait to see the joy that is around the next corner for both of us.
To keep track of our whereabouts, check out our web site, which has been recently updated.… Read the rest
Happy Birthday, Nicole
Once upon a time there was this cute girl named Nicole. She launched out on this adventure called life and our paths intersected 30 years ago. She is now my best friend and my climbing companion.
I can’t wait to see the joy that is just around the next corner for both of us.… Read the rest
Announcement about Mark Conner’s Future
This weekend, I made the following announcement to my church family – CityLife Church. Obviously, it was a surprise to many, while not to others. There is a degree of sadness with any change like this but I am also encouraged by the amount of support I have received.… Read the rest
Reflections from my Sabbatical (Part 4)
So what now? That’s another good question.
1. Personally, I need to re-engage with church life and ministry. I need to get back in harness and up to speed with what God is now doing. I’ll gradually ease back in over the next few weeks.… Read the rest
Reflections from my Sabbatical (Part 3)
What did I learn during my sabbatical?
In many ways, I see this moment and season as a significant crossroads for my life and ministry. The Lord once said to Jeremiah, “Stand (stop) at the crossroads and look around; ask for the ancient paths (the old, godly path), ask where the good way is, and walk in it (travel its path), and you will find rest for your souls (Jer.6:16)." … Read the rest
Reflections from my Sabbatical (Part 2)
So what did I do on my sabbatical? Good question. The truth is that I determined not to focus on doing too much of anything during this season but rather more on simply being. The last thing I needed was another list of tasks or projects to accomplish. … Read the rest