2025 has been a year of major change for me. At the beginning of the year, I left our church staff team, which I had been part of for the previous 11 years. I have held numerous roles and experienced many highs and lows in church ministry and leadership.

It has been a significant turning point in my career. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, and there have been times when it has been daunting to move into a new chapter and leave so much familiarity behind. I’ve received great support and encouragement from family, friends, coaches, and counsellors during this time.

I am grateful to now be part of the Teapot Trust team in the role of Communications and Fundraising Officer. We endeavour to support children and young people with long-term physical health conditions by providing art therapy to help them navigate the many mental and emotional challenges that can occur due to their experience with their conditions.

As best as I have been able to, I have tried to adapt to this new season. I have tried to embrace the challenge of establishing new routines, adjusting to a new work culture and environment, and meeting many new people while building new working relationships with colleagues, trustees, and supporters, the best that I can.

When we begin something new, we often experience disorientation or discomfort, but remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong; it just means it’s new. As you step outside your comfort zone and familiarity, this is where growth happens. If you frame it in this way, then new chapters can be exciting, and you can look forward to what’s next.

Alongside my work at Teapot Trust, I am also dedicating more time to content creation. In the past, I have written blogs and created different types of content, but my greatest desire is to write books. I have deliberately stepped up my efforts to complete and publish my first book, which will explore the theme of depression from my personal and pastoral experiences, and share how God can bring hope in the midst of darkness.

This September, I begin a two-year Diploma in Integrative Counselling run by Vital Pathways Training. I am passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges. I have learned a great deal from over a decade of pastoral experience, for which I am grateful. I am looking forward to learning in this focused space. While I am not yet entirely sure what lies beyond the Diploma or how I will apply what I learn, as I train to become a qualified counsellor, I know I will feel more confident and better prepared to support others.

I’ve been on the receiving end of counselling several times, and I have greatly appreciated the space and time to process and learn more about myself and my inner world. This has helped me to go on to help others who have struggled with similar ways of thinking.

Over the next few months, I plan to start a semi-regular newsletter to keep others updated on current projects and the lessons I’m learning. If you’d like to receive this newsletter, I’d be honoured if you subscribed here.

If you are considering a change in your life, take time to pray, invite those you trust to speak into the decision, and then make the decision. It can be nerve-wracking to think you may make the wrong decision, but remember, God is full of grace. Even if you do end up making the wrong decision, you will experience the consequences attached to it. Ultimately, God will work it for good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

This year has been one of pivoting and adaptation, with a good dose of disorientation thrown in, but this marks the beginning of a new chapter.

And of course, I can’t think of pivoting without the classic scene from Friends. Here’s a reminder: 

Reflect

When have you needed to pivot in your life? What advice would you give someone who was starting a new chapter in life? Leave a comment!

Thank you very much for reading. If you found this encouraging and helpful, please share it with friends and followers. I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment with your reflections or questions.

Dan :)

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Further reading

Here are some books I’ve read in this past year that have helped me adapt to this new season: