Why I am thankful to be a Navigator (one reason, anyway)

I recently received an email from our national director expressing his appreciation for the heart and character of Mike Treneer, our international president, who is voluntarily stepping down this year.  

Over the years I have had men over me organizationally who not only were gifted in ministry, but expressed as much concern for my spiritual and personal well-being as any productivity in ministry, and to this day I count them as good friends and brothers in Christ.

Although there have been exceptions within The Navigators, Doug's reflections on his deep appreciation of Mike Treneer as a man of God is consistent with what my experience has been as well.

I am grateful for having been, and being, under men such as Mike is described here.

Doug Nuenke's letter follows:


Dear Friends,

One of the greatest gifts in my six years as U.S. director is to have Mike Treneer as my leader, coach, and friend. As you have heard, Mike will be transitioning out of his role as international president of The Navigators in the spring of 2015. Pam and I will miss our regular interactions with Mike and his wife, Chris, but we affirm God’s leading in their lives.

Mike is only the fourth international president The Navigators has had in our 80+ year history, following in the footsteps of Dawson Trotman, Lorne Sanny, and Jerry White. Mike leads out of an overflow of his relationship with God and his heart for the Scriptures. He is wise, patient, steady in crisis, and has a heart like David who “inquired of the Lord” (1 Samuel 23:4 NIV). His leadership has enabled encouraging progress in mobilizing The Navigators as a Worldwide Partnership around a common Calling.

As the International President’s Selection Council convenes in mid-February, please join me in asking God to guide us to the next leader He is preparing. Psalm 78:70-72 tells of God’s chosen leader David:

He chose David his servant
   and took him from the sheep pens;
from tending the sheep he brought him
   to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
   of Israel his inheritance.
And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
  with skillful hands he led them (NIV).

Just as God prepared David to shepherd God’s people, the nation of Israel, He prepared Mike to shepherd The Navigators for a season. We can also trust that God has prepared our next leader who He will identify through the selection process. We thank God for Mike and Chris and we wait in anticipation to see what God will do through them in the future, and through whomever God calls to lead us next.

Trusting with you,

Doug