“David Rietveld steers us through the profound sociological changes that are leading to a post-Christian view of the world in a way that is clear, accessible, warm and good-humoured.”
- David Williams, director of training and development, Church Missionary Society of Australia.
The 20th-century leading theologian Karl Barth once said,
“Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.”
We might not read newspapers this century, but to make sense of the stuff in our newsfeed is complicated. Then to interpret the news from a biblical perspective – that can be next level.
God, in his wisdom, has placed you and me in this time and place to be his witnesses to this generation.
Join me as we explore God, his world, and his mission together.
About David
Church life can get messy. Conflict, division, and misconduct sometimes surface, leaving communities hurt or uncertain about the future. In these moments, it’s vital to have someone experienced and steady to walk with a church through transition and towards health.
David Rietveld serves as an Intentional Interim Minister, trained to guide churches through times of change and renewal. He helps congregations respond to crisis, reflect on their story, analyse their systems, and imagine a new future. David has worked with churches facing conflict, the aftermath of professional misconduct, trauma recovery, and the need for organisational or ministry restructuring. He also trains others in this work through the Transitional Ministry Association of Australia.
Previously, David has led large and medium-sized churches through seasons of growth and change — including mergers, re-visioning, and property redevelopment. His ministry experience covers complex, multi-site organisations that have included preschools, cafés, community care programs, incorporated welfare agencies, and other not-for-profit initiatives.
Alongside this, David works part-time with City to City as a trainer and lead consultant, helping churches through research and analysis, strategic recommendations, and leadership coaching for implementation.
David is also an author. His book Being Christian After Christendom: Where Are We? How Did We Get Here? What Went Wrong? What Is the Solution? explores the deep cultural shifts shaping Western society and what they mean for the church’s mission and discipleship today.
An interdisciplinary thinker at heart, David brings together insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, history, and theology, applying them to contemporary challenges with clarity and wisdom.
He has spoken at preaching conferences, pastors’ retreats, conventions, teacher professional development events, and even corporate forums on culture and change. David is accredited to debrief 360-degree leadership surveys using the Christian Leadership Framework and employs the GROW model in leadership coaching.
David has also defended the Christian faith in public forums, including debates with Ian Robinson (Chair of the Atheist Foundation of Australia), Senator Nick McKim, and Jason Tuazon-McCheyne (leader of the Australian Equality Party).
His current focus is helping churches and leaders contextualise the gospel for people shaped by post-Christian worldviews. David regularly offers talks and workshops on evangelism, discipleship, and cultural engagement in the 21st century.
For invitations or enquiries about David’s availability, please use the contact page.
