Personal Background
Paul’s ongoing research interests focus on the interface between contemporary culture in the West and the message of Jesus Christ. His most recent book was on the ‘logic’ of Lesslie Newbigin’s missionary theology and practice.
He has supervised a number of doctoral research students through the Newbigin Centre on various aspects of contemporary mission, including imaginative apologetics, the public apologetics of Rowan Williams, Christian engagement with contemporary media, how women find their voices as preachers, and models of pioneer ministry.
Paul was born in Cheltenham but spent most of his formative years growing up in the centre of Oxford. He first came to Cambridge as a history undergraduate at Trinity Hall in 1976.
He has an MPhil in New Testament studies and gained his PhD from King’s College London on Lesslie Newbigin’s missionary engagement with Western culture. He has been a theological educator for over 35 years and though formally retired from Ridley in 2023, he continues to teach a module on Newbigin on the MA course and to direct the Newbigin Centre. He now enjoys a slightly quieter life on the south coast.
Aside from teaching, Paul has enjoyed mountaineering (specialising in mixed-rock, snow and ice climbing in the Alps). He is also an enthusiastic landscape photographer (mountains especially), and loves most kinds of music (particularly classical and jazz).
He also loves to travel and is something of an aficionado of contemporary ‘Nordic Noir’.
Married to Ginny, he has two grown-up children, two grandchildren and possesses a sense of humour that is generally considered on the dry side.
Roles outside Ridley
Paul has been a Senior Fellow at the Newbigin House of Studies in San Francisco, USA and a regular visiting professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. He was a Trustee (and past Chair) of Anvil Journal (an Anglican journal of theology and mission), was also a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Missional Practice.
Paul has led over 100 missions in parishes and universities both here and abroad. He continues to preach and lecture regularly.
Research
Paul’s ongoing research interests focus on the interface between contemporary culture in the West and the message of Jesus Christ. His most recent book was on the ‘logic’ of Lesslie Newbigin’s missionary theology and practice.
He has supervised a number of doctoral research students through the Newbigin Centre on various aspects of contemporary mission, including imaginative apologetics, the public apologetics of Rowan Williams, Christian engagement with contemporary media, how women find their voices as preachers, and models of pioneer ministry.
Books
Articles
Reference Book - Dictionary Articles
Courses
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