Leaving ministry felt like a death. But death often makes way for resurrection. — Collin Mayjack
Collin Mayjack knows firsthand the challenges of navigating major transitions. After years of serving as a pastor and ministry leader, Collin found himself at a crossroads, stepping away from his calling to pursue a new path in product marketing. His story of loss, identity shifts, and rediscovering purpose resonates deeply with anyone grappling with the uncertainty of change.
In this episode, Collin shares:
👉 How the loss of a father shaped his early calling to ministry.
👉 The signs he ignored in toxic environments and the toll they took on his family and well-being.
👉 Why leaving ministry can feel like a death—and how to find life on the other side.
👉 Practical advice for rebuilding a career from scratch and reimagining your calling.
If you’re wrestling with identity, grief, or the weight of letting go, this conversation is for you.
From Pastor to Product Marketer: A Journey of Reinvention
I always knew I wanted to be a pastor, even as young as 12. Ministry was my whole world—my faith community, my career, my calling, all wrapped into one.
But as Collin shares, those tightly woven identities can make it all the harder to step away when things aren’t working.
For years, Collin ignored the warning signs:
- A church environment that was painful for his wife.
- A sense of dissonance: “This should feel great, but it doesn’t.”
- The constant pressure to manage his behavior and beliefs to fit in.
Eventually, the weight became too much. When a leadership change forced his hand, Collin faced a choice: stay and compromise his values or leave and rebuild.
Rebuilding from the Ground Up: The Challenges of Starting Over
Leaving ministry feels like stepping into uncharted waters. It’s not just a job change—it’s a loss of identity, community, and sometimes even faith.
Collin describes the unique challenges of transitioning out of ministry:
- The Loss of Identity: “Your sense of self is so wrapped up in ministry, it can feel like you’ve died.”
- Finding Work Outside of Ministry: Many pastors lack experience in other fields, making the transition daunting.
But Collin also highlights the rewards of starting fresh:
- Discovering transferable skills and realizing, “I can learn new things.”
- Finding stability and joy in work that doesn’t demand everything.
- Embracing a smaller, more personal vision of calling: Right now, my calling is to be a good husband, a good dad, and to provide for my family. And that’s enough.
Key Takeaways from This Conversation
1. Signs It’s Time for a Change:
- Is your partner thriving in this environment?
- Do you feel constant effort to “fit” or “manage yourself”?
- Are you saying, “This should feel great, but it doesn’t?”
2. Mindsets to Embrace During Transition:
- Humility: “I don’t know everything about this new world, but I can learn.”
- Confidence: “I am capable of growing, pivoting, and succeeding.”
3. Practical Advice for Rebuilding:
- Start with what’s in front of you. Focus on family, health, and transferable skills.
- Remember that identity is not tied to one role. You are more than your job or title.
Where to Connect with Collin
- LinkedIn: Collin Mayjack
- Instagram: @holyshift.pod
- Podcast: Holy Shift on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Everything just changed, now what?
In a season of transition, it’s hard knowing what to do next. Finding Your Way to Flourishing is your free guide to crafting your Next Step Statement so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.