Dr Brian Harris is a sought out speaker, teacher, leader, coach and writer. A widely respected theologian, after 17 years as principal of Perth’s Vose Seminary, in 2021 he became the founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, an initiative of the Carey Group committed to fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world. Brian coaches both emerging and established leaders through AVENIR, as well as speaking at many PD days and working with Boards. He is also a co-founder of the Centre for Faith and Life. It’s byline, “Spacious Hearts, Curious Minds” reflects much of Brian’s own approach to faith, life and leadership.
While engaged in the work of AVENIR and the Centre for Faith and Life, Brian continues to do some work for various academic institutions, serves on the Board of Directors of both the Australian University of Theology and Baptist World Aid Australia, and is a Distinguished International Visiting Scholar of Spurgeon’s College, London. He has twice served as a visiting Professor of Religion at Carson Newman University in the USA.
Brian is the author of 7 books and the co-editor of an 8th, and has published widely – both in academic journals and in more popular publications. His book, The Tortoise Usually Wins: Biblical Reflections on Quiet Leadership (Paternoster, 2013) continues to empower people who don’t naturally see themselves as leaders, while The Big Picture: Building Blocks of a Christian World View (Paternoster, 2015) is often used by theological colleges introducing students to the study of theology or Christian World View, as well as serving as the basis for professional development days in many Christian organisations. His book on apologetics, Why Christianity is Probably True (Paternoster, 2020) helps shift the tone of the discussion about faith, and has been noted for its winsome style which quickly disarms while being quietly persuasive. His most recent book, Stirrers and Saints (Paternoster, 2024) explores the important area of spiritual formation for leadership, and is the basis for the podcast series, Stirrers and Saints: The Podcast.
Brian has been married to Rosemary for over 40 years and they have three adult children and four grandchildren.
To reach a wider audience, and to maintain contact with those he meets as he speaks at different locations, Brian started this blog in 2015.
If you would like to explore Brian serving as a coach or mentor for you, or speaking at a PD day or Board retreat, you can contact him through his AVENIR email which follows the format brian at avenirleadership.org
