A theologian who is working on a "theology of exile" to help Christians cope with living in the modern post-Christian culture of the West has been appointed new head of Bible Society.
Paul Williams is currently Research Professor of Marketplace Theology and Leadership at Regent College in Vancouver.
In an indication of the change of direction of Christianity in the West, he sees his new role as engaging with growth and expansion, rather than managing decline.
"I am deeply privileged to have the opportunity to serve in this role as Bible Society seeks to help people engage the Bible in Britain, and respond to the opportunities and needs arising from the growth of Christianity internationally," he said of his new job.
An interview in Regent World two years ago gives insight into the charisms that Britain's Christian scene can expect from Williams, whose new role will put him at the heart of contemporary Christian life in Britain.
Williams, who trained as an economist at the University of Oxford and went on to work as chief economist for the international property business DTZ, and who has also trained in theology, described the "incredible pressure and deadlines" of his first job.
Most people in the office came in earlier than they needed to come in, worked later, and didn't take breaks, he said. "We used to have a culture of going out for lunch. Then the company directors realised it was a good idea to pay another firm to come in and bring us sandwiches. So people would get these sandwiches and nobody would leave their desks.
"During that time, I made a commitment to base my working life on a meditation on the life of Daniel. Daniel was praying three times a day, so during that first decade of my working life, I made a commitment to pray during lunch break. I noticed that while I was having lunch and praying, everyone else, including people competing with me, sat at their desk working.
"I had to turn my anxiety about my career into prayer about the project that I was working on. That was a kind of crucible of learning to trust. God was saying, 'Do you think I can help you with your work or not?' So that kind of spirit, of praying through the details, for instance, is the lifestyle of dependence we want to envision for people."
Williams, who has also worked as an economic policy advisor for the European Commission and many local and national governments, added: "Jesus isn't just interested in whether you give the money away, but how you made the money and whether it was a response to him. There are actually some bad ways of making money. Giving it away in the end doesn't stop it from being bad. So excellence needs to be in the context of work that is always oriented to serving God and people before things and profit."
At Regent College he has worked on how to help new generations be equipped for the challenges of the modern post-Christian culture. He is currently researching the "theology of exile" to reflect on these challenges as they play out in the West.
Bible Society Chair James Featherby said: "We are delighted that Paul has agreed to be our new chief executive, and we are looking forward to all that he will bring to the role. We are deeply impressed by the quality of his Christian faith, his commitment to the Scriptures, and his vision for the national and international mission of Bible Society. We believe that Paul is the right person to lead us through an exciting new phase of growth and development."
Williams said: "Bible Society is a remarkable organisation, that having been faithful to its founding mission for over 200 years, is now uniquely placed to 'offer the Bible to the world' in the contemporary context."
