Paul is retired after over 40 years working across technology media and telecoms in both global and start-up companies. He brings a deep experience of corporate governance alongside a lifetime of serving God in churches of various denominations. Paul is married to Anne and they have two daughters and two lovely grandchildren. In his late teens, Paul was initially encouraged to preach in the Methodist Circuit on Romney Marsh, Kent. Later he applied for ministry in the Baptist church, where he found preaching and teaching across all age ranges both challenging and disciplining. In the post-COVID era, Paul has found himself applying his technical and innovation skills to help churches use technology effectively. He gives guidance on safeguarding and GDPR compliance and promotes using tech tools to reach new generations with the good news of the Gospel. Paul joined the LWPT Board of Trustees in March 2025.

Which preacher has been the greatest influence on you and why?

There are two preachers who have significantly influenced me, each in different ways. NT Wright’s expositions of the theology of St Paul has been instrumental in re-shaping my understanding of how the New Testament illuminates the Old Testament. Reverend Richard Littledale, preacher, teacher, author and friend has taught me more about structure and impact than he will ever know.

What do you see as the most significant challenge for preachers?

The challenge for preachers today is to illuminate the word of God in ways that are relevant and impactful in the modern idiom. Lighting the path to a personal engagement with God for people who are immersed in electronic and social communications is not much spoken of in Bible Colleges.

What led you to a life in ministry?

I felt a strong call into lifelong ministry in my early twenties but without much clarity on what shape that should take. I was involved in youth leadership as a teen. I was invited to study for ordained ministry in my late twenties, however, my strong sense was being called to lay ministry in church leadership, teaching, preaching and pastoral work, both in the local church and in the wider workplace. My ministry has developed and changed as I have aged. I have been able to build on training and experience in global business leadership that is not normally associated with the church. The church has much to learn from industry and industry has much to learn from the church. I have enjoyed bringing those two imperfect worlds together in new and different ways for the benefit of the Gospel and the hope it brings to those who hear it and respond.

What was the last book that you read and what did it teach you?

A Nearly Infallible History of Christianity by Nick Page (Hodder & Stoughton, 2014). Christianity has probably been the most significant influence for both good and bad over the past 2000 years. Page unpacks the transition  from a bunch of disruptive individuals within the Jewish tradition, to a global organisation offering hope in a world full of despair. There are lessons we can learn; the way in which the church has been instrumental in the oppression of the masses for the financial benefit of the few presents us with some salutary lessons for how we behave in our churches today.

 

 

Interview extracted from Ichthus newsletter Winter 2025