All – Page 2 – david tensen

WHERE DO YOU GO TO CHURCH? Well, it’s complicated.

A few months ago, Natalie and I came home from a day at our respective workplaces and we’d each been asked the same question, “Where do you guys go to church?” I’ve asked it of others many times. Depending on their answer, you make assumptions. There should be no shame or harm in asking it… Continue reading WHERE DO YOU GO TO CHURCH? Well, it’s complicated.

Pastors Under Pressure – Deep dive workshop with David Tensen.

DESCRIPTION Drawing upon decades of life experience and academic research, David Tensen returns to present an interactive 3 hour workshop. Previously, this workshop was presented to therapists and industry experts. This workshop will be open to the public. You will learn: The emotional, spiritual and mental health pressures pastors are under. Why pastors have trouble seeking and getting help.… Continue reading Pastors Under Pressure – Deep dive workshop with David Tensen.

TO MY SON: ON DATING AND I DOs – a poem

A woman’s body is not yours, son.And yours not hers.Never forget, she’s not yours to possess. Before you hold her to your hip,hold her in your heart, son in love. in adoration. in mutual respect. A woman is not a goal to score or wild sea to tame.Never claim her as a notch on your… Continue reading TO MY SON: ON DATING AND I DOs – a poem

Regardless of your opinion, you cannot create unity. Ever.

My recent poetic response on Facebook to some local graffiti sparked an avalanche of comments, PMs and discussions with colleagues. Some of the pushback was not as vicious as I received from a post I published a few years ago in support of my daughter’s involvement in a local climate change march (that was alarming).… Continue reading Regardless of your opinion, you cannot create unity. Ever.

Poetry and Publishing Collective – Expressions of interest open.

Perhaps this is you?! I’m looking for people interested in being part of a poetry and publishing collective. Here is what I have in mind, if it sounds a bit vague, it’s because I’m creating something I’ve not seen before. If the following adventure sparks something in you, I’d love to hear from you. Be… Continue reading Poetry and Publishing Collective – Expressions of interest open.

Harmful phrases and my divided heart

Thank you, Steve Austin. You’ll be fiercely missed.

My heart has been heavy the last 24 hours after hearing the news of Steve Austin passing away. Like so many around the world would say, we never met in person, but his character and kindness made me feel like we lived nearby. Steve was many things including a husband and father to two gorgeous… Continue reading Thank you, Steve Austin. You’ll be fiercely missed.

A poem for Pentecost

25 years ago I was born again into a tradition where speaking in other tongues was taught in a hyper-personal context. Reading Acts Chapter 2 again this year over Pentecost, I came to see a different picture – one that meets me in my current season and stage of life; that is, that the tongues… Continue reading A poem for Pentecost

Interview with John McDonald in Scotland – Poetry as the language of the heart

I chat with poet David Tensen about his inspirations, broken times, when trite faith answers don’t add up and wounded heroes. We speak about recovery from burnout, the need to be a rescuer and how his faith grew through deconstructing and reconstructing, dismantling coping mechanisms and getting help If you think you don’t like poetry,… Continue reading Interview with John McDonald in Scotland – Poetry as the language of the heart

The shape of freedom – a poem

PODCAST INTERVIEW – Rethinking God with Tacos. May ’21

I loved spending time with @jasonclarkis and @pastorderekt on their Rethinking God with Tacos Podcast last week. Extract from their webpage:Trauma, pain, empathy like Jesus, and healing for the oppressed, misunderstood, lost, or broken; in this podcast David Tensen shares how we are loved and not alone. Addressing how shame and condemnation are compounded by religion, the guys talked… Continue reading PODCAST INTERVIEW – Rethinking God with Tacos. May ’21

Have best-selling poet David Tensen write you a poem. Custom commission poetry.

Do you have an upcoming personal occasion or commercial event* you’d like to make extra special with something unique and beautiful? Have best-selling poet David Tensen write you a poem. David will write a one page poem (250-300 words) for occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, funerals, memorials and more. Process:Step 1. Complete a request form.… Continue reading Have best-selling poet David Tensen write you a poem. Custom commission poetry.

Sex, Sexuality and the Scapegoated

My latest book contains a couple of poems around the topic of sexuality. I wrote them for those who messaged me with tragic stories of sexual abuse by church workers and community ostracisation due to same sex attraction. As an avid researcher, I looked through the academic literature and work being done around the Evangelical… Continue reading Sex, Sexuality and the Scapegoated

So I Wrote You A Poem – poems on loss, grief and faith. 2021 Special Collection Book

This poetry collection is truly unique. Written over 21 days combining anonymous stories from over 60 people who wrote to David on Instagram in January 2021. Available worldwide in softcover and eBook. Release date April 2021.

Deconstruction is not a dirty word. It’s necessary.

The deconstruction of a person’s faith seems to have gained popularity over the past few years. From my view, increasingly more podcasts, books, courses and articles seem to be made and released every year. Heck, I’ve mentioned it a few times. Deconstruction seems to be a term many are adopting for an event or season… Continue reading Deconstruction is not a dirty word. It’s necessary.

Pastors Under Pressure – the hidden complexities most don’t see.

I thought it was normal. But it wasn’t. That afternoon, when the organiser called to thank me for speaking at a breakfast for the 20 local pastors, he confirmed that robust rebuttal and tearful confession after a guest speaks doesn’t usually happen. When the meeting ended, the pastor scheduled to say a prayer for me… Continue reading Pastors Under Pressure – the hidden complexities most don’t see.

I wrote random poems by request for 21 days straight. This is what I learnt.

Background: 3 weeks ago I put a call out on Instagram for followers to send me any stories they would like me to put into poetry. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Within days, my inbox was filling up with heart-wrenching stories including clergy suicide attempts, messy divorces, foster parenting autistic children, abortion, infertility, infidelity,… Continue reading I wrote random poems by request for 21 days straight. This is what I learnt.

For the divorced ones

⁣You said I do⁣and you didn’t⁣intend for it to end⁣the way that it did. ⁣God knows. ⁣⁣And God knows ⁣how much it takes⁣to hold ⁣beautiful and broken⁣people together.⁣More than you know. ⁣⁣And more than you know ⁣stood at the altar⁣with hope and dreams⁣of building a life together⁣which you did.⁣For a time. ⁣⁣And for a time… Continue reading For the divorced ones