Author Spotlight: Douglas A. Balzer
By Douglas A. Balzer
We are pleased to introduce Douglas A. Balzer. Doug has recently published The Empowerment Pivot with us, which is now available for pre-order through the Word Alive Press Bookstore, and everywhere fine Christian books are sold. We asked Doug to share a little bit about his writing, and his new book. But first, a little bit about him.
About
Douglas A. Balzer is a catalyst for renewal with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He and his wife Teri have led more than fifty spiritual renewal retreats in churches across Canada and in five other countries. He currently leads a team championing the integration of spiritual renewal, disciple-making, and mission to the least reached.
Doug earned an M.A. in Leadership and Ministry from Ambrose Seminary (Calgary) and a Doctorate of Ministry from Alliance Theological Seminary at Nyack College (New York). He is host to the reKindle Renewal podcast, is a sessional lecturer at Ambrose University, and in his spare time enjoys working in his woodshop.
Doug and Teri live in Calgary, Canada with their two young adult sons. He has had the opportunity to see thousands of Christ-followers step into a new version of normal through authentic encounters with the infinite God.
Q&A
Q: What is the idea behind the term “pivot” in The Empowerment Pivot?
A: God is infinite and unchanging in His nature. If we wish to experience more of His divine presence, we must shift towards His character. Because He is infinite, as we pivot towards Him we will experience more of His voice, transformative freedom, presence, and empowerment. The Empowerment Pivot serves as an invitation for people to step towards this version of God’s normal for their lives. It’s this ongoing divine encounter that people outside the church yearn for. The church was meant to model this well before our hungry eyes.
Q: How would you describe your writing style?
A: I have attempted to write in the same manner in which I speak at conferences. I’m frequently described as being very transparent with my own story of coming out of brokenness. While I assert timeless truths, I do so more as an invitation as opposed to condemnation. My writing recipe is to bring together timeless biblical truth, personal narrative, and historical reference.
Q: What was your process behind writing this book?
A: Much of The Empowerment Pivot came out of my six years of leading Holy Spirit Encounter weekends in local churches. Most of the chapters originated as talks that were refined over the years. As I transformed these talks into written chapters, some reframing was certainly needed, as was a clearer theme to neatly tie it all together.
Once I had the overall framework established, I aimed to write one chapter per month. This enabled me to more fully immerse myself in the theme and content of each chapter. Most chapter drafts were written in one day after a month of mentally swimming in the content. In essence, I wanted the content to spill out of me rather than having to search for it.
Q: If you could say something to a new writer, what would it be?
A: Get as much feedback as you can. Better yet, get as much candid feedback as possible. I gathered feedback via the dozens of conferences I spoke at. Additionally, I found nine people who I knew would give me candid feedback, even if it proved to be uncomfortable. I would rather get honest responses from people I know than put something out there that may be misunderstood, misinterpreted, or missed altogether.
Upcoming Book Signings and Events
- One Conference (Edmonton, Alberta): January 18, 2020. “Intro to Soul Transformation”
- Crosspoint Church (Edmonton, Alberta): January 19, 2020
- Advanced Deliverance Training Workshop (St. Albert, Alberta): January 31–February 1, 2020, St. Albert Alliance Church
- Holy Spirit Saturday (Fort McMurray, Alberta): February 8, 2020, Fort City Church
- Soul Care Equipping Conference (Grande Prairie, Alberta): April 1–4, 2020, Grande Prairie Alliance Church
- Healing and Deliverance Course (Calgary, Alberta): April 27–May 1, 2020, Ambrose University
- Soul Care Equipping Conference (Hinton, Alberta): May 6–9, 2020, Hinton Alliance Church
- Holy Spirit Encounter (Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta): May 22–24, 2020, Fort Saskatchewan Alliance Church
- Soul Care Equipping Conference (Lloydminster, Alberta): June 3–6, 2020, Southridge Community Church
About this Contributor:
Douglas A. Balzer is a spiritual renewal catalyst based in Calgary, Canada. He and his wife Teri have led more than fifty spiritual renewal retreats in six countries. Doug has a Doctor of Ministry from Alliance Theological Seminary (New York) and is host to the reKindle Renewal podcast. Connect with Doug, here:
www.dougbalzer.com
Instagram: @BALZER_DOUG
Twitter: @BALZERD
I’d like to confirm a referral of your ministry I made to Dr. Stephen D. Elliot, General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church of Canada. I have recently met Stephen at a seminar at Trenton Wesleyan Church , Trenton Ontario and chatted briefly with him about our experience at a Spirit empowerment seminar at Quinte Alliance Church in Belleville. that my wife Lori and I attended. Stephen has recently completed a book called " By signs and Wonders-How the Holy Spirit Grows the Church". Having heard you both recently I have a very strong sense from the Lord to make this referral. The confirmation of your respective callings and the passion you both share towards empowerment is near identical. Stephen’s email is stephen@wesleyan.ca I would have passed along your email and would be happy to do so , as you wish, In Christ, Richard Wright