27 August 2026 | St Albans, UK [tedNEWS]
He is an elder statesman of the Seventh-day Adventist Church—a pastor at heart, a theologian by training, and a leader with a truly international outlook. He is known for his thoughtful and pastoral approach to leadership, combining conviction with compassion. He listens carefully to others—particularly younger generations—and engages openly with some of the difficult questions facing the Church.
Dr Jan Paulsen has served the Church for more than six decades. His ministry has taken him from pastoral work in Norway to missionary service and theological education in Ghana and Nigeria; from serving as principal of Newbold College of Higher Education to leading the Trans-European Division (TED); and ultimately to the presidency of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church, where he served from 1999 to 2010. Yet, despite the significance of the positions held, he continues to see ministry through the eyes and heart of a pastor.
When invited by the TED Ministerial and Communication departments to share something of his life and ministry, Paulsen generously agreed to share his reflections through a series of five 30-minute conversations. Recorded earlier this summer, in Mjøndalen, Norway, in partnership with Norwegian Union Conference Media, Ministerial Reflections with Jan Paulsen draws upon his lifetime of ministry and leadership.
In conversation with David Neal and Vanesa Pizzuto, Paulsen looks back over a lifetime of service, reflecting personally and candidly on the people, experiences and values that have shaped his ministry. He speaks openly about calling, pastoral formation, leadership, criticism, courage and the convictions that sustain a life of ministry.
The five conversations explore:
- the making and lifelong formation of a pastor;
- shepherding diverse congregations in complex times;
- the calling, contribution and experience of women in pastoral ministry;
- responding to crisis, criticism, ethical tensions and questions of conscience; and
- the enduring convictions, joys and hopes that matter most after a lifetime of service.
Pastoral ministry brings great joy—the privilege of walking alongside people and seeing God at work in the lives of those they serve. But pastors also carry the weight of leadership, criticism and discouragement. Drawing on Paulsen’s lifetime of pastoral experience, these conversations offer encouragement, understanding and perspective. And their value reaches far beyond pastors. This wisdom speaks to anyone involved in leading the Church, whether locally, nationally or globally. Above all, the series reminds us that faithful ministry to Christ still matters.
In this first interview, Paulsen reflects on his early years, his call to ministry, and the people, experiences and theological convictions that formed him as a pastor. He also considers why theological training matters and what it takes to keep learning—and unlearning—through a lifetime of ministry.
[Photo: David Neal]
