Following a period of applications, interviews, and much prayer, the Board of the Bible Society in Northern Ireland are delighted to announce the appointment of Wilson Beare to be their new Chief Executive Officer. Wilson officially joins us at the end of September, but Aaron got the chance to ask him a few questions in advance to help you get to know him just as he is starting.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

For the last 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the national lead for Urban Saints (formerly Crusaders), pioneering missional youth groups in communities and schools, supported by youth residential opportunities and outreach efforts both locally and abroad.

I love spending time with my family, whether hanging out, enjoying a good movie, or playing family games. I am passionate about all forms of sport, with a particular love for football. I have the honour of both coaching youth football and serving as chaplain at Portadown Football Club, a team I follow home and away throughout the season. I also enjoy swinging a golf club from time to time.

What does the Bible mean to you?

In short, the Bible means everything to me and my family. It is the source of all encouragement, challenge, direction and comfort in our lives.

At 16, after a period of exploring some of life’s bigger questions, I wanted to understand more about my life and purpose. I remember being given a Bible at school, which I kept tucked away in my blazer pocket. I decided that’s where I would start my search for answers. I closed the door to my room and started reading. That night, I met the story and person of Jesus and was confronted with all He had done for me and the abundant life He offered. It was then that I accepted Christ into my life and committed to following Him. Since that point, through all of life’s highs and some of its most painful moments, the Bible has been a constant source of encouragement and comfort.

The Bible is essential to me, not only for understanding the story of Jesus but also for following His way as I lead my family, serve my community, and live for Him daily. It’s hard to pick a favourite verse since the Bible is living and speaks to different situations at different times. However, I do love John 10:10, which describes the life Jesus promises—a life of fullness, abundance, and better than we can dare to dream of.

What are your hopes as you start this role?

For Bible Society, my hope is to support and amplify the important work being done to make the Bible accessible and engaging for people everywhere. I’m eager to collaborate with my colleagues to find new and creative ways to reach more communities and make a lasting difference.

Looking to the future, I hope to see our efforts bear fruit in the form of expanded outreach and greater engagement with the Word. I’m excited about the possibilities ahead and am committed to helping us achieve our vision in any way I can.

As I embark on this role, I am excited about the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally as I have the privilege of serving this amazing vision. For myself, I am looking forward to deepening my understanding of our mission and developing skills that will help me make a positive impact.

What can we pray for?

1. Guidance and Wisdom: Pray for clear direction and wisdom as I step into this new role, so that I can make thoughtful decisions and contribute effectively to our mission.

2. Transition: Pray for a smooth transition from my current role to the new one, that I may adapt quickly and carry forward the lessons and experiences from my previous position into this new chapter.

3. Unity and Collaboration: Pray for strong relationships and teamwork, that we may work together to further the reach of Bible Society.

4. Impact and Growth: Pray that our efforts will be fruitful, leading to greater engagement with the Bible and a deeper spiritual impact in the communities we serve.