Brian Harris

Dr Brian Harris, is based in Perth Australia. After decades of church pastoring and 17 years leading a theological college, he now directs the Avenir Leadership Institute, a future-focused consultancy which helps to shape the kinds of leaders the world needs. Brian is the author of seven books, the latest of which are: Why Christianity is Probably True (Paternoster, 2020) and Stirrers and Saints: Forming Spiritual Leaders of Skill, Depth and Character (Paternoster, 2024).

Articles by Brian Harris

10 Sep, 2025 14:50 EDT

Oceania Health Church & Missions

A lesson in cold dark nights on the side of Everest

By Brian Harris

As challenges increase in the world, knowing that facing struggle does not mean that life is out of control or terrible can provide great hope. It is hopeful to remember that a cold dark night on the side of Everest isn't a destination, it is a means to an end. Similarly, the stuff that life throws at us is a pathway to growth in Christ for the follower of Jesus.
25 Aug, 2025 15:00 EDT

Oceania Church & Missions

Eugene Peterson suggested that we be unbusy, subversive, and apocalyptic as we fulfil our calling

By Brian Harris

According to the late Eugene Peterson, an unbusy person may be highly productive but his or her attitude is such that there is always time to care for others and develop fruit that will last. This is both a subversive act in our day and age and a testimony to our apocalyptic hope.
2 Jul, 2025 23:00 EDT

Oceania Society & Culture

A time to be quiet and a time to speak and how to tell the time

By Brian Harris

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven... a time to be quiet and a time to speak. The writer of Ecclesiastes notes the times, but how should we know what the time is? Here are ten indicators for each to help discern when it is a time for quiet and listening, or a time for speaking and influencing.
26 May, 2025 14:30 EDT

Oceania Family & Children

Adam raised a Cain when our children break our hearts

By Brian Harris

There may come a point in a parent's life when their child has disappeared and the relationship is strained to breaking point, but there is always hope in the love of God. Read on and find ten things to help when struggling with a difficult child.
27 Apr, 2025 02:00 EDT

Oceania Society & Culture Church & Missions

When the elephants fight the grass suffers is an apt analogy for today's geopolitical situation

By Brian Harris

A well known Swahili proverbs observes, "when elephants fight, the grass suffers". It is a direct analogy to the human condition when our leaders enter into geopolitical conflict and the ordinary people suffer the most. It can seem overwhelming but here are some basic things followers of Jesus can do to help minimize the damage.
6 Mar, 2025 16:30 EST

Oceania Church & Missions Society & Culture

On Being a Progressive Conservative, or a Conservative Progressive

By Brian Harris

Christianity is becoming increasingly and unfortunately polarized. Conservative and progressive perspectives can be harmonized when correctly understood. This is for the benefit of our faith now and in the future. The pastoral perspective in this opinion explains how.
1 Feb, 2025 14:29 EST

Oceania

Do you approach life with a growth or fixed mindset?

By Brian Harris

Thinking your personality and talents are fixed can inhibit your potential. Willingness to learn something new can lead to great growth but it is not unlimited. God invites us to live with sober judgment towards maturity in Christ.
24 Dec, 2024 14:50 EST

Oceania Church & Missions Society & Culture

Mary didn't really know what her future held

By Brian Harris

Empathizing deeply with Bible characters helps us understand life better. Mary didn't really know. She had faith and some hints, but did not know where it would all lead. This Christmas ask yourself if you are really saying yes to God. The path of faith twists and turns but the destination is always good.
12 Dec, 2024 15:12 EST

Oceania Opinion Society & Culture Church & Missions

When should purpose overrule preference in the Christian faith?

By Brian Harris

What if our deep ability and the world’s deep need meet, but we don’t enjoy doing what we are so good at? When should we say yes to preference, even though more purposeful options are within our reach? A pastor considers the dilemma of duty.
27 Nov, 2024 13:11 EST

Oceania Opinion Society & Culture Family & Children Church & Missions

What we can learn from how the anguish of suicide was handled in history

By Brian Harris

Life can be difficult for some people to bear. The Church should not make it even more difficult for them or those caring for them. Suicide is an extreme response to those difficulties. We need to appreciate better how complex that issue is and respond with greater pastoral sensitivity.
8 Nov, 2024 14:11 EST

Oceania Opinion Society & Culture

Who has the right to complain?

By Brian Harris

Have you noticed that those with the most to complain about usually don’t, while those whose lot has fallen on pleasant paths often whinge endlessly? We do well to learn from Scripture when it is appropriate to complain. Even then, life is better lived with gratitude.
12 Sep, 2024 15:09 EDT

Oceania Opinion Society & Culture Family & Children

But what do you really want—deep desires and necessary plans

By Brian Harris

Are your desires and plans aligned? If so, what might it say about what you really want? How aligned is that yearning to God's will? If it is, there you will find your vocation. If it is not, that might be cause for repentance. Read on so you can figure it out before you die.

Brian Harris

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