How Churches Can Help Pastors Move Forward
with Matt Davis of Pastoral Transitions
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Matt Davis from the Life After Ministry Podcast on The Last Service Podcast. If you’ve ever thought about what happens when a pastor steps away from ministry—whether by choice or due to circumstances beyond their control—you’ll want to hear Matt’s story and his passion for helping others navigate similar transitions. Our conversation wasn’t just insightful; it was a profound look at how pastors face leaving ministry and how churches can show compassion and respect for the pastor’s dignity during these challenging moments.
When Matt joined me, he was open and candid about his journey. He had stepped away from pastoral ministry five years ago, navigating the complexities of transitioning out of a role he had dedicated much of his life to. The departure was due to a moral failure, yet with over two decades of experience in church ministry, he found himself asking: Who am I now, outside of this calling? What does life look like without the church at its center?
As Matt shared, leaving the church can feel like isolation. Overnight, the community that surrounded him dissipated. He went from being “Pastor Matt” to simply “Matt.” And the loss wasn’t just social—it was spiritual, financial, and emotional. The reality of no longer having the steady support, the relationships, and even the financial security that comes with a pastoral position was daunting. The question he kept asking himself was: Why do churches sometimes struggle to offer the same level of compassion and support to pastors leaving ministry as they do when welcoming them into it?
The Church’s Role in Pastoral Transitions
A critical insight Matt shared was about how the church community can often handle a pastor’s entrance beautifully but fall short when it’s time for a pastor to exit. When a new pastor arrives, there’s a celebration, a welcome ceremony, and sometimes a grand commissioning. But when a pastor leaves, especially if under difficult circumstances, it can feel cold, even clinical. Matt compared it to an HR termination rather than the grace-filled, prayerful moment it could be.
He spoke about his work with Pastoral Transitions, the ministry he founded to walk with pastors going through these challenges. Their mission? To help pastors transition out with dignity and hope. It’s a process he calls “kingdom outplacement,” a way to ensure pastors aren’t left feeling abandoned but instead are given tools, guidance, and support for whatever lies ahead. Matt emphasized that a transition, done well, actually builds trust and unity in the church.
Why These Transitions Matter
Matt’s perspective on pastoral transitions isn’t just a call for compassion; it’s a call for the church to become more Christlike in every action. Whether a pastor is moving on to a new calling or leaving ministry altogether, the way a church community handles this season speaks volumes. Every church may face this moment someday, and knowing how to respond with love and respect can be transformative.
As I listened to Matt, I was struck by the power of these “good exits.” The concept of kingdom outplacement is new to many, but Matt’s approach is simple: send people out as we would want to be sent ourselves, with hope and dignity. Whether you’re a pastor, a leader, or simply someone who cares about the health of the church, I hope you’ll consider how your community approaches these transitions.
Matt’s journey shows that every ending can be an opportunity—a chance to do something deeply meaningful and rooted in love. After hearing his story, I realized just how much churches can do to make sure pastors don’t just leave the role but move forward in their faith, career, and personal growth. It’s not just about the pastor; it’s about the testimony we’re all called to live out.
