The Director
Jonathan Stephen
Born and brought up in Bournemouth, on the south coast of England, Jonathan Stephen was dramatically converted while a student in Bangor, on the north coast of Wales. Having received a Master’s degree in political anthropology at Birmingham University, he undertook theological studies at Spurgeon’s College, and subsequently spent three years teaching Religious Education in a large and lively inner-London comprehensive school.
Since then, he has completed over 27 years of pastoral ministry: first at Amyand Park Chapel in Twickenham and, since 1987, at Carey Baptist Church in Reading. During this time, Jonathan’s ministry to the wider Church, both in the UK and overseas, has steadily grown through his preaching, writing and involvement in numerous projects and Christian agencies. From 1998-2001, he served as President of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches.
From September 2006, Jonathan succeeded Eryl Davies as Principal of the Evangelical College of Wales. Jonathan explains that this will not affect his role with Affinity:
“ETCW was the first theological training instituton to become an Affinity Associate and counts Affinity Partner churches as its natural constituency in this country. Because of this, and the way in which the new Principal’s role has been configured, there is considerbal overlap of interests and concerns. The general need to promote Bible-centredness and true partnership in the gospel is as great as ever, but the task of correctly identifying and preparing the next generation of church leaders is particularly urgent.”
Jonathan is married to Sheila, a fully-accredited counsellor with training and supervisory responsibilities, who also chairs the board of a large, national Christian charity.
Jonathan writes:
“I count it an enormous privilege to have been entrusted with the task of bringing Affinity to birth - and of guiding its first steps. With its fine pedigree, there was every reason to hope that from the outset this new offspring would be able to enjoy the respect, confidence and support of all classic evangelicals. But it is entirely down to the grace of God that Affinity has become so rapidly established on the evangelical scene.”
