Bert Downs

Background

About Bert Downs

As I've grown older (and perhaps more mature?), a question frequently asked of me, especially by new acquaintances, is,"what's been your professional focus?" I respond these days with words that a treasured friend and coach once used to define that emphasis to a potential client:"He's an organizational plumber. If an organization is stuck, he can unstick it." he said. Not a very glamorous description for sure. As homely and pedestrian as his words may seem, they are pretty much spot on. And though SEMI-RETIRED, I still take on an occasional advisory role for those working through a personal or organization challenge/change. 2023 included finishing a directional project with a North American mission group, and coaching a local church through a leadership change process including regular preaching for the first six months of the year and advising in the acquisition of an interim pastor. Being personal for a paragraph, Alice and I live on the Olympic peninsula in Washington state near the families of our two children. In June 2024 we will celebrate 55 years of marriage. The early days of marriage made room for careers, travel, and adventure, but not much room for Jesus. However, a short leave of absence from the world of careers led to a long-term focus on Christian ministry leadership and advising. And nearly 50 years later, the journey continues.