Paul is the pastor of Lonlas Gospel Mission, near Swansea. After completing a degree in music from the University of Leeds Paul entered pastoral ministry training at Leominster Baptist Church and receiving a BA in theology from the University of Gloucester. In 2008 he and his wife Anita moved with their 3 boys to take up the pastorate at Lonlas Gospel Mission. Paul enjoys reading, walking and anything IT related.

Modules Taught

‘Christian Doctrine’ for the IFC

Qualifications

1997 - 2001 – Bmus (hons) University of Leeds

2002 – 2005 – BA (hons) in Theology, University of Gloucester (Open Theological College)

Ministry Experience:

2001 – 2002 – Volunteer on the pastoral staff of Leeds Reformed Baptist Church working with peter Parkinson

2002 – 2005 – Student/assistant Pastor at Leominster Baptist Church

2005 – 2008 – Pastor at Wellington Chapel, Herefordshire (Church re-plant situation)

2008 – present – Pastor at Lonlas Gospel Mission, Skewen, Neath.

John is the pastor of Gendros Baptist Church, Swansea. He was saved at University in Swansea in 1988 from a non Christian background and felt called to the ministry about 5 years later. After training at the Baptist College in Cardiff, he began as pastor in Gendros on one of Swansea’s housing estate. He has led 5 mission/ministry trips to Liberia in West Africa, and been involved in linking Gendros with a number of local churches in South Korea. John married Jennifer in 1993, and the Lord blessed them with their first child, a daughter, in 2012. He loves fitness classes, going to the gym, coffee, films, reading, and walking his ageing dog!

Education:

1986 - 1989 – BA (hons) in English at University of Swansea

1993 – 1996 – BD (hons) University of Cardiff

2000 – 2012 - D.Min. at Trinity Evangelical Divinty School (graudation still pending)

Ministry:

1997 – present – Pastor at Gendros Baptist Church, Gendros, Swansea.

Brief blurb:

John is the pastor of Gendros Baptist Church, Swansea. He was saved at University in Swansea in 1988 from a non Christian background and felt called to the ministry about 5 years later. After training at the Baptist College in Cardiff, he began as pastor in Gendros on one of Swansea’s housing estate. He has led 5 mission/ministry trips to Liberia in West Africa, and been involved in linking Gendros with a number of local churches in South Korea. John married Jennifer in 1993, and the Lord blessed them with their first child, a daughter, in 2012. He loves fitness classes, going to the gym, coffee, films, reading, and walking his ageing dog!

Phil Davies is a Counties Full Time worker across South Wales spending 50% of his time with Dunvant Christian Fellowship in Swansea. He was born and born again on the Gower and grew up in the Dunvant area but then spent a
number of years away from Wales after University in Cardiff. He spent 19 years with Operation Mobilisation (OM) working in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and latterly in England and Wales. He returned to Wales in 1999 became a part time Science teacher for a couple of years and has been working with Counties for 10 years. He is married to Sheila and they have grown up 4 children. Phil enjoys reading, walking

Modules taught:

World Missions for the IFC

Qualifications

1980-1985            BSc (Hons) Applied Biology (University of Cardiff)

1990 – 1991          PGCE Secondary Science

1999                       Certificate of Theology (Open Theological
College) (University of Gloucester)     

2012                       MA in Missional Leadership (University of Wales)

Ministry Experience

1984 – 2003         Operation Mobilisation

2004 – present  Counties Evangelist

1999- present    Part Worker & Elder at Dunvant Christian Fellowship

Saturday 18 May was a fine day: good weather, encouraging news, godly students, excellent preaching and Christ glorified. 

Jonathan Stephen reported that SaRang Community Church had already out-given their original promise.  From January, the partnership with the Porterbrook Network, a reformed theological training movement, had opened up opportunities worldwide.  Former WEST student, Sean Rossi, had been instrumental in OM Europe’s decision to train its church planters at the College from February. Christian broadcaster, UCB, had approached WEST for ongoing theological advice and in return will offer programme opportunities.

WEST has passed the Government’s stringent QAA quality requirements that universities are subject to.  With ‘Highly Trusted Sponsor’ status now likely, the College should be able, once again, to open its doors to non-EU applicants for all its courses.  In concert with FIEC and the Association of Grace Baptist Churches South East, four fully-funded awards for the 3 year (BA) and the 2 year Binary Course had been made available.  Would AECW consider something similar? The Valley Commandos project has launched its website (www.ValleyCommandos.com).   WEST is helping with facilitation and training.

The Principal was full of praise for his staff and volunteers after another busy session.  Dr Tom Holland is to go part-time but will remain as Director of Biblical Studies.  New members of staff were announced: Dr  Cornelius Bennema, a Dutch theologian and Johannine specialist, from 1 June.  Rev Phil Hill, from Bridgend (via Nazareth!) will be Pastoral and Church Theologian from 1 September. Board member, Dr John Stevens (FIEC) is standing down and Dr Steve Timmis (Porterbrook Network) will be taking his place.  Jonathan Stephen will reciprocate by serving on the Porterbrook board.

WEST would welcome more students.  The shape of theological training was changing.  Adaptation was vital but without losing WEST’s strengths.  Ultimately there was no substitute for full-time seminary education.  Forthcoming events included the Revival Conference (22-29 June) and Greek Discourse Workshop (3-5 July).

11 of the students were interviewed from the BA, Binary and International Foundation courses. All were positive about what they had learnt but also that they had grown in their relationship with the triune God.  Ashkan Sarmadi had been called to Derby Road Baptist Church.   Jonathan Sekhar will work at Moordown Baptist Church, Bournemouth, on placement as he completes his MA.  Lee Dutfield’s MA placement will be at Neath Presbyterian Church. Three former students who have gone to glory were fondly remembered.

Paul Mallard, Director of Training and Development, Midlands Gospel Partnership, brought all his considerable pastoral experience to bear as he preached passionately from Colossians 1: 9-14. The apostle Paul prays that the Colossian believers might:

• Know God’s will: more of Jesus, not more than Jesus
• Please God’s heart: by bearing fruit, growing in the knowledge of God and in character
• Glory in God’s gospel: faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone

Associate pastors at the Welsh Evangelical Church, Cardiff

Tristam Hallam and Emyr James were both ordained and inducted to the posts of associate pastors of the Welsh Evangelical Church, Cardiff.  Both men studied at WEST.  The service was held in Welsh (with simultaneous English translation) at Highfields Church on Saturday 8 June.  Rev Gwynn Williams, the present pastor, is retiring from full-time oversight of the church.

From Bangladesh to Flint via Birmingham, Bridgend and Kent

Montaz Ali was born into a Muslim family in rural Bangladesh.  His family moved to Birmingham when he was a child.  Following family tragedy, he was fostered.  He was converted as a young man through the faithful witness of a youth worker.  God called Montaz to preach and he came to train at WEST.  Montaz Ali, who is married to Naomi, was called to a Baptist church in Kent where he served faithfully for a number of years.  Now the Lord is calling them, and their young child, to North Wales, to Flint Evangelical Church.  Montaz will be succeeding Rev John Davies who is retiring after long years of faithful service in Clydach, Maesteg and Flint.

Street Pastor

Matthew Neal has been called to serve Street Baptist Church, Somerset as co-pastor.  Matt, who has worked as a graphic designer, recently completed his BA (Hons) degree in Theology at WEST, studying full-time by distance learning, based at Hook Evangelical Church, Surrey.  May the Lord bless Matt, his wife and young family as they move to Somerset.

Ed is married to Jocelyn and they have four young children including twins. They moved to the UK from Australia in September 2011 so Ed could pursue doctoral studies at Cambridge University focussing on Church history. The focus of his research is Archbishop William Temple’s thinking about church unity. Following his study at Moore Theological College Ed was ordained in the Anglican Church and served in suburban parishes in Sydney before coming to the UK. He now enjoys his role as a non-stipendiary curate in his local church at Little Shelford. Ed thinks it is a great privilege to serve Jesus and loves to see others grow in their love for Him and deepen their knowledge of what he has done and is doing in the world.

Qualifications

BSc, BD (Hons)

Modules Taught

TH4819 The Early Church

First concentrating on Islamics in her BA and MA research, Natalie shifted her focus in her doctoral research to systematic/historical doctrine and contemporary reformed spirituality, looking particularly at its pastoral relevance for women. With ministry experience in church-based youth work, Christian media and evangelism to Muslims, Natalie’s mission is to help women be passionate about theology. She is married to Tom, the pastor of Binfield Heath Congregational Church, and resides in rural Oxfordshire.

Qualifications

MA, PhD

Modules taught

TH6814 Female Spirituality

Research interests

Historical/Systematic Theology: Reformation and Modern
Feminist Hermeneutics
Christian and Reformed Spirituality
Woman’s Spirituality

Publications

Paper delivered to University of London Poetry and Prayer conference 2012.

Though Europe is often thought of as a difficult place for evangelism, some have a God-sized vision to take the gospel there.  WEST is partnering with OM Europe to provide theological training for all its church planters.  The package will involve training at Bryntirion and in the field with OM, bringing the academy to the coal-face of gospel mission!  Both WEST and OM doing what they do best in mobilising people for gospel work.

Shaun Rossi, an OM team member from the US, started United Community Church (UCC) in Finland and has been amazed at the growth he’s seen there. Even Finns who consider themselves Christians rarely go to church. But they are drawn to UCC.  Shaun is the Director of Church Planting for OM Europe and is also undertaking beginning a PhD with WEST this year.  Pray with us that men would be called and equipped to take on the challenge of winning Europe for Jesus!

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Donald Mitchell, Librarian

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WEST library exists to serve the academic community resident at WEST campuses and those studying by distance learning. The library is also a resource for those in ministry, or Christians simply wishing to extend their theological understanding. Reference and borrowing access can be arranged here. The library houses over 20000 books and a wide range of print journals many at the cutting edge of academic theology (123 in all), as well as a range of electronic resources.

Special collections include the Patristic library of the famous Scottish theologian, David Wright, a collection on Wesleyan Methodism built around a complete collection of the Arminian and Wesleyan Journal, and a growing Welsh Language Theological Library. The librarian provides guidance on research skills, and is the key link for any hard to find resources. The library also provides full support to distance students, and proactive current awareness services.

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We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Michael Reeves to our full-time Faculty, starting this September. As Theologian-at-Large, Mike will spearhead a major new initiative to make theology and theological education more accessible to all.

This innovative project will put quality theological education within the financial and geographical reach of all who need it. At WEST, along with our partners at Porterbrook Network, we are excited at what this new venture could achieve.

Dr Reeves will also help determine the School’s strategic development and act as our ambassador, representing WEST’s vision globally at conferences etc. He will teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels on WEST’s Bryntirion campus, and will soon be available to supervise PhD candidates in the areas of Systematic and Historical Theology. He will continue to develop his own research interests and exercise his extensive writing and speaking ministries.

Until recently, Mike was Head of Theology for UCCF, providing theological fuel for student mission and supporting undergraduates studying theology. Before that he was an associate minister at All Souls Church, Langham Place, in London. He is married to Bethan, and together they have two daughters, Lucy and Mia.

“If we are to see the church built up in the knowledge and love of Christ in our time, we need theological educators who are both faithful and forward-thinking, able to seize the opportunities and meet the challenges of today. It is just that combination that I see in the team at WEST. We’ve found we share a clear vision of what could be achieved, and I am excited to start working with them”.
- Dr Michael Reeves

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr Reeves onto the ever-strengthening team at WEST. I believe the appointment of someone of Mike’s gifting and profile marks another significant step in our efforts to establish WEST as the leading independent and reformed, evangelical theological school in Europe. Mike’s evident enthusiasm to be part of the WEST vision is in itself a great encouragement.”
- Jonathan Stephen

This is the title of a new book by Michael A G Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.  Its subtitle is “Learning from the Eighteenth Century Baptist Revival”.  The book is based on the talks given by the author at the 2010 WEST Revival Conference.  The book retails at £6.99 and is published by Bryntirion Press.  Carl Trueman says of the book: “In an era where there seems to be an unfortunate trend towards minimizing the actual impact of the gospel on Christian lives, this is a timely and helpful volume.”

Following his studies at WEST, Mark Fisher has been serving Heath Evangelical Church, Cardiff as Evangelist, latterly as Assistant Pastor.  He has now accepted a call from Hanney Evangelical Church in Oxfordshire to be their pastor.  Please pray for Mark and his wife, Miriam, who has been serving the church as its Administrative Officer.

Jonny Wilson has accepted a call to be pastor of Calfaria Baptist Church, Llangeinor in the Garw Valley, north of Bridgend.  He takes over in the Autumn from Rev James Brown who has retired.  Jonny, who spent a year at WEST and is studying on the EMW Theological Training Course, is a member of Heath Evangelical Church.  Jonny is married to Liz and they have two children.  He will join two others sent out by Heath Church to the valleys north of Bridgend: Rev Owen Blackwood, Associate Pastor, Peniel Evangelical Church, Maesteg (also a former WEST student) and Owen Batstone, Student Pastor, Ogmore Vale Evangelical Church, who is on the EMW Theological Training Course with Jonny.  Pray for Jonny and Liz and all three churches in this very needy area of the valleys.

The remarkable generosity of a Welsh Christian charity has made possible a major development for the Evangelical Movement of Wales (EMW) and Wales Evangelical School of Theology (WEST).

There has been a close relationship between the EMW and WEST since the founding of the College in 1985.  The College came about as a result of close fellowship and co-operation between the Evangelical Movement of Wales and the South Wales Bible College at Barry. The first College Council comprised an equal number of members from Barry and the EMW, and the joint endeavour represented a concern and commitment to develop theological and ministerial training in Wales that was thoroughly biblical and church-based.  The College was established as an independent charitable institution, and moved into buildings at Bryntirion, Bridgend that were leased from the EMW. The two organisations have shared the site ever since, with the freehold being held by the EMW and the leasehold held by the College.

Now, the generous provision of substantial funding from this Christian charity has made it possible for WEST to buy the freehold and EMW to purchase new office premises elsewhere in Bridgend. This meets EMW’s requirements and frees up much needed space in Bryntirion House for WEST’s future expansion. The EMW will retain more than an acre of land at the Bryntirion site, and will continue to manage the bookshop from its present location for the foreseeable future.

Mark Thomas, Chairman of the EMW’s Management Board said, ‘We see God’s hand in this unexpected provision, which is great news for both the College and the Movement.  It allows us to move into a building with significantly more office and storage space than we presently have, and allows the College to expand their facilities substantially. The improved facilities and increased space will help us both to better serve churches and Christians in Wales and beyond.’

Jonathan Stephen, Principal of WEST, commented, ‘This is a tremendous blessing for both WEST and the Movement, which would not be possible if it were not for our excellent and enduring relationship.  Though it is helpful for us both to clarify our distinct ministries, we are certain that our fellowship in the gospel will continue long into the future.’

Mark and Jonathan said, ‘We are so thankful to God for his provision, and we ask his people to pray for his continued blessing on both WEST and EMW.’

Mae haelioni rhyfeddol elusen Gymreig wedi ei gwneud yn bosibl i Fudiad Efengylaidd Cymru (MEC) a Choleg Diwinyddol Efengylaidd Cymru (WEST) wneud datblygiad sylweddol.

 Bu perthynas agos rhwng MEC a WEST ers dechreuadau’r coleg yn 1985. Dechreuwyd y coleg o ganlyniad i gyfeillgarwch agos a chyd-weithio rhwng Mudiad Efengylaidd Cymru a Choleg Beiblaidd De Cymru yn y Bari. Roedd aelodaeth cyngor cyntaf y coleg yn cynnwys nifer cyfartal o’r Bari a MEC, ac roedd yr ymgais yn ffrwyth baich ac ymrwymiad dros ddatblygu hyfforddiant diwinyddol a gweinidogaethol yng Nghymru a oedd yn feiblaidd ac eglwys ganolog. Sefydlwyd y coleg fel sefydliad annibynol elusenol a symudodd i mewn i adeiladau ym Mryntirion, Penybont ar Ogwr a brydleswyd gan MEC. Mae’r ddau sefydliad wedi rhannu’r safle ers hynny, gyda MEC yn berchen ar y safle a’r brydles yn berchen i’r coleg.

Drwy ddarpariaeth hael elusen Gristnogol mae bellach yn bosib i WEST brynu’r safle ac i MEC brynu swyddfeydd eraill ym Mhenybont. Bydd hyn yn digoni anghenion MEC ac yn rhyddhau lle ar safle Bryntirion i WEST fedru ehangu. Wrth edrych i’r dyfodol bydd MEC yn parhau i berchen mwy nac acer o dir ar y safle ac yn rhedeg y siop lyfrau Cristnogol o Fryntirion.

Dywed Mark Thomas, Cadeirydd Bwrdd Rheoli MEC, ‘Rydym yn gweld llaw Duw yn y ddarpariaeth annisgwyl yma, sydd yn newyddion da i’r Coleg a’r Mudiad. Mae’n ein galluogi i symud i adeilad gyda dipyn mwy o le ar gyfer y swyddfa, bydd hefyd yn galluogi’r coleg i ymestyn ei gyfleusterau yn sylweddol. Bydd y cyfleusterau gwell a’r gofod mwy yn galluogi’r ddau grwp i wasanaethu eglwysi a Christnogion Cymru a’r tu hwnt yn well.’

Dywed Jonathan Stephen, Prifathro WEST, ‘Mae hyn yn fendith ryfeddol i WEST a MEC, bendith na fyddai wedi bod yn bosibl heb y berthynas wych fu rhyngom ers amser.  Bydd hyn yn help i ni’n dau i fedru esbonio a dangos ein gweinidogaethau arbennig mewn ffordd gliriach, ond rydym yn sicr y bydd ein partneriaeth yn yr efengyl yn parhau I’r dyfodol.’

Dywedodd Mark a Jonathan, ‘Rydym mor ddiolchgar i Dduw am ei ddarpariaeth a gofynnwn i’w bobl weddïo am ei fendith ar WEST a MEC.’

The new building was packed with some 200 students, staff and supporters on Saturday, 14 September for the WEST Dedication Service, marking the start of a new academic year.  The tone of the meeting was one of thankfulness and praise to God.  Most gratifying was the significant increase in the number of new undergraduate students (27), many of whom were introduced to the congregation.  It was striking that no fewer than three of them were from the same congregation, Quedgley Baptist Church in Gloucester, and another two were on full FIEC scholarships.  In addition, there were several students on the six- month International Foundation Course from South Korea and Hungary.

Two of the three new academic staff members were introduced.  Dr Cornelis (Cor) Bennema, from the Netherlands, had been engaged in mission and theological teaching in India over the last 11 years.  He is a Biblical Theologian and Johannine specialist.  Rev Phil Hill, born in Bridgend, is an experienced pastor.  Most recently he has been teaching Palestinians at a seminary in Nazareth, Israel.  He teaches Pastoral Theology and as Church Theologian provides a resource to local churches.  Dr Benema read the Scriptures  and Rev Hill led in prayer.  The third new staff member, Dr Michael Reeves, was speaking at a prior engagement.  He was formerly UCCF’s Theological Adviser.  As “Theologian – at – large” he teaches Systematic Theology and, in time, will supervise research at the College, and preach and teach at conferences at home and abroad.

Through the kindness of a South Wales – based Christian charity, WEST had been enabled to buy the freehold on the Bryntirion site, and the Evangelical Movement of Wales had been able to obtain new offices in Bridgend.  It was a “win – win” for both organisations.  WEST could now accommodate recent growth and plan for further expansion.  A new partnership had been agreed with Tyndale House, Cambridge which would give WEST staff and students access to world class research facilities. Prayer was requested for the urgent reroofing of Bryntirion House, the visit of the Principal and Chief Operating Officer to Chicago and Phoenix and the October board meeting in Seoul.

WEST board member, Rev Graham John, of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Swansea preached pointedly to the new students from 2 Corinthians 3.  He posed two questions:

What is the purpose of the Christian ministry?

Where does the power come from?

In answer, he first spoke of leaders’ need of the Lord’s people: their testimony, prayers, fellow-feeling, mentoring and encouragement.  He then looked at the source of Paul’s confidence.  It was not his intellect, learning or abilities.  Rather it was his hold on Christ.  Like Paul, the need for godliness is primary. Effective ministry is dependent on the quality of pastors’ lives.  Competence in ministry comes from God himself.  Lastly, it was vital to remember the privilege and glory of this work.  It is worth investing one’s best time.  Sustained theological study was an unrepeatable privilege.

The induction of Andrew Scully as Minister at Seion, Maerdy, will take place on Saturday, 12th October 2013 at 3pm. Pastor Peter Brake will preside and Pastor Bernard Lewis will give the sermon. There will be refreshments and the opportunity for informal fellowship after the service. Andrew and the members of Seion would be very encouraged if you could attend

Chris Palmer’s  PhD Viva took place on Thursday 7th November at the University of Wales College, Lampeter.  The university  examiners were Professor William Kay (Wales) and Dr. Andrew Davies (Birmingham). Chris’ thesis title was:
‘A historical and theological evaluation of the early development of the Assemblies of God denomination in South East Wales with special reference to Crosskeys and Newbridge.’

Chris passed, with only some minor corrections required.  Congratulations!