On Turning 68: A bit of an Update…

If you are reading this on the date of its first appearance, 13 July 2025, it’s my birthday. Happy birthday me – all 68 years of me! While 68 is in many ways an annoying age, marking no special milestone (it’s not a zero birthday nor even a “last year in your 60’s” birthday) it feels a little bit special if only because of some recent changes in my life.

“What are they?” you ask, while perhaps assuming I will announce the big ‘R’ word.

No, it’s not retire, but here are some of the changes…

After finishing my 17 year stint as principal of Vose Seminary at the end of 2020, at the start of 2021 Jon Bergmann, Jen Argue and I (with some assistance from Carey) founded the Avenir Leadership Institute. It’s been an astonishing 4 and a half years – dramatically more productive than any of us anticipated.

I’ve got to be a film star in numerous professional development video series ranging from training those new to Board membership, or about to start teaching in a Christian School, or wanting to explore the larger contours of the Christian faith. I’ve had heaps of people come up to me and say – “Oh I know you. I saw you in… Open Book; Flourish; Missional Governance” or whatever. True, none have asked for my autograph and I have no Oscar nomination, but it has been fun, and has done a lot of good along the way.

I got another book published (Stirrers and Saints) and got to be part of a podcast on the book which ran to three series (Stirrers and Saints: The Podcast).

I got to know and serve some astonishing people – some as their coach, others as their spiritual director. I am actually still doing this, so DM if you would like to explore this more.

I helped develop a Leadership Ecosystem that has been used to help shape a host of middle and senior leaders, and is about to undergo a second iteration – it only gets better.

I’ve helped lead many Board retreats, often working to clarify vision, mission and purpose. I’ve been part of many culture reviews, staff training days, and have talked many Christian organisations through their theological architecture and how it should shape and direct them. And I have spoken all over, sometimes to small groups, at other times at large conferences. Preaching has continued to be a large part of my life. It has been wonderful, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. I have discovered the joy of being a consultant. You get to help organisations shape their strategy and make bold plans, and support them as they do so, without the strain of being the one on the front line. It’s a real privilege.

So what’s changing?

After four and a half years of directing Avenir, a succession plan we discussed when we started kicked in on 1 July… Jon Bergmann is now the managing director of the Avenir Group. I couldn’t be more delighted. Jon is exceptionally gifted – one of those astonishing all rounders who is good at everything. More importantly, he is compassionate, insightful, knowledgeable, theologically astute and passionately committed to helping shape leaders who will make a difference in the world. And he is 32 years younger than I am, so there is a great future ahead for him. For my part, I am continuing on at Avenir as an Executive Consultant – a rather lovely way to say that I get to pick and choose the projects I want to be part of, and there are a fair few of them.

Those of you who know me well, will also know that I have served at Carey in many different roles over the years – from 2009-2013 as the church Senior pastor while still the principal of Vose, from 2013-2020 as chair of the Carey Board, and from 2021- now, as Director of Avenir Leadership (which was originally owned by the Carey but is now independently owned). From 1 July I am in a part time role at Carey as its pastoral theologian. Carey is a significant missional organisation, with over 550 people now on the staff. Thinking well about how it holds true to its mission and calling is important, and I am very privileged to be able to work with key senior staff to help with this, as well as being available to talk through the many stresses and pressures that come with senior leadership.

“What’s happening with the blog?” I hear you ask. It’s a fair question. For now, it carries on as it has for the last decade, serving as a way to help me think aloud on many different things. If that has been helpful to you over the years, I am glad. I would like to think of ways to make it more effective, so if you have any ideas, please let me know. I originally started the blog as a way to keep in touch with the many wonderful people I have met over the years, but more recently it has developed a life of its own, and now gets downloads from over 150 different countries – which is a lot more than I have ever visited! I am not sure what they are looking for, but I am delighted that they read it.

All this sounds very positive. And yes, it is. But I write it hesitantly. I have just turned 68. You might remember that I unexpectedly landed up in hospital between Christmas and New Year. It was a reminder of mortality. Psalm 90:12 speaks to me strongly, “Teach us to number our days that we many gain a heart of wisdom.” And so we should… but there’s the rub. Any numbering of our days has to be quickly followed with a DV – Deo Volente – if God wills it. In my head I tell myself that I will live to 93 – but only God knows. For my part, from the deepest gratitude I feel for the life, wife, family, friends and work I have been gifted, I hope to keep giving back to life in whatever way I can. And come what may, as Ephesians 1:12 so beautifully puts it, I long to live for the praise of God’s glory.

So happy birthday to me – and nice chatting…

Photo by Thomas Parker: https://www.pexels.com/photo/colorful-balloons-at-outdoor-festive-celebration-32926538/

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