Commendations

PROLOGUE: The Bible says that we are all sinners who have fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3.23) That counts me in. Like any man I am simply lost without giving and receiving forgiveness. So if you’re reading these commendations and thinking, ”Gee, that’s not how I remember him! Paul wasn’t that sorted when I met him!’ can I ask your grace and forgiveness and assure you that the Lord in his mercy has never ceased working on me! The Scripture says that God constantly works in us to change our hearts and our actions (Philippians 2.13), that Jesus works in us to perfect our faith(Hebrews 12.2) and guides us in our work (Ephesians 2.10). This is God’s offer to all of us.  And it is a wonderful journey.

Mal Prior - Chair of the Board of Directors for Unity College Australia writes; “with love and appreciation…to acknowledge our indebtedness to Paul for the wonderful contribution he has made to the life and work of Unity College Australia: We greatly appreciate your gentle but firm God-ward focus in all your conversations and deliberations. Your students come away wiser and deeper.”

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh - Archbishop of the Russian Orthodox Church in exile in Britain, writes; “Where Paul Wallis provides the meat I am happy to provide the gravy.”

 Barry Kissell - Author & Speaker; “Paul has the profound ability to make subjects such as listening to God, prayer, solitude and faith accessible and understandable.” 

Author of The Divine Hours and former Religion Editor of Publishers Weekly, Phyllis Tickle, in her endorsement of The New Monastic describes Paul’s writing as “Seductive in the way it draws us gently into some of time’s deepest currents…A rich gift to the Church…so worthy of any and every good thing I can say.”

In her endorsement of My Dinner with Anton Phyllis Tickle writes “Orthodoxy and its ways of praying and being have never had a more cordial, attractive and sympathetic introduction in the West than that which Paul Wallis provides here.”

In his endorsement of My Dinner with Anton  Anglican Bishop of Canberra & Goulburn in Australia writes “The text of My Dinner with Anton is simple yet profound, foreign yet relevant.I believe churches of every stream, traditional and missional, emerging and mainstream will find fresh vision, encouragement and inspiration in its pages.”

Nick Jensen - ACT Director - The Australian Christian Lobby writes: “I have yet to meet anyone with more wisdom, passion and personal integrity than Paul. His ability to speak into people’s lives and to see years into the future is an exceptional gift.”

Revd Mark Beresford - former Director of Ministry at Burghman Anglican School, Canberra - commends Paul “for his willingness to openly and vulnerably share his wisdom and experience, for his  able leadership in prayer, worship and Biblical insight, and for his consistent, faithful and calming influence.”

As Anglican Chaplain at the Australian National University / School of Arts, Revd. Bill Huff-Johnson commended Paul “for [living] out the motto of the University which is ‘first to know the nature of things’; for his ability to initiate ways to dialogue with and to ‘accept the other’; and [that] he came among us as a writer of books, yet [his]ministry was frequently silent in his being and listening.”

The Church Wardens at St Stephen’s Church, Kambah ACT wrote the following: “Paul’s special leadership-ability was most necessary at St Stephen’s Kambah. His work was tireless, empathetic, respectful, supportive and effective. He came to the parish at a time when the parish was in the process of recovery from a divsive event. Paul…was able to relate to all parties in the parish. [His] proactive…approach to the situation…has been a focus in reuniting members of the community, and under Paul’s guidance the parish has redeveloped into a united and vibrant corporate identity…Paul inspires confidence in young people, encouraging them to step out in pursuit of their personal goals…[He] has a quiet but affirming leadership style; encouraging others to explore their leadership potential while walking alongside them. We have no hesitation in recommending Paul.” 

 As President of the Portsmouth University Student Union Neil Curtis wrote: “Paul’s commitment to the care and personal development of young people is exemplary.His understanding of the pressures that young people face is excellent and plays an important part in the quality of Paul’s work.”

As High School Department Leader, Evelyn Gothard wrote: “Paul has a deep compassion for people and has a unique ability in combining leadership with friendship towards people ranging from senior professionals to those left to ‘care in the community’. His counselling skills are exemplary. His rapport is a very rare gift.”

Bestselling Author Joyce Huggett in her foreword to his first book wrote: “His book became my constant companion and gave me the hope to carry on.”