Rev. Stephen Clark
MA (Oxon.) Principal. Systematic Theology
- Stephen has had many years of experience in pastoral ministry, having pastored 3 very different churches. Having trained on the EMW’s Theological Training Course while working as a solicitor, in 1983 he became pastor of the newly founded Llandrindod Wells Evangelical Church, set in a county town in a rural area. In 1991 he moved to Abersychan, a small South Wales valley town, to become pastor of his home church, Noddfa Evangelical Church, which had been founded in 1846. In 1998 he became pastor of Freeschool Court Evangelical Church, Bridgend; Bridgend is a rapidly growing town on the M4 corridor. He retired as pastor at the end of August 2020. Stephen lectured Systematic Theology at London Seminary (formerly London Theological Seminary) from about 2005 until December 2020. From its inception early this century he served as Chairman of the Affinity Theological Study Conference until retiring from this position in 2019. He still serves on the Committee of the Westminster Conference, an annual event in London which is committed to the study of theological issues in relation to church history. He has written two books: Putting Asunder: Divorce and Remarriage in Biblical and Pastoral Perspective (Bryntirion Press, 1999) and The Da Vinci Code on Trial (Bryntirion Press, 2005). He also edited and contributed chapters to Tales of Two Cities: Christianity and Politics (IVP / Affinity, 2005), and The Forgotten Christ: Exploring the Majesty and Mystery of God Incarnate (Apollos [IVP] / Affinity, 2007), and co-edited and contributed a chapter to In Christ Alone: Perspectives on Union with Christ (Affinity / Mentor, 2016). In retirement he now lives in Paphos in Cyprus, where he is actively involved in preaching and writing.
Rev. Christopher Bennett
MA (Cantab.) Biblical Studies: New Testament
- After assisting churches in Islington and Ashford (Middx) Chris was pastor of Hounslow West Evangelical Church for seventeen years. He is currently pastor of Wilton Community Church, Muswell Hill, in north London. He is also a faculty member for Preaching at London Seminary, lecturing in New Testament theology & exegesis.
Rev. Adrian Brake
BA (Wales) MA (Cardiff) PGCE
- Adrian is currently engaged in itinerant preaching after pastoring churches in the South Wales Valleys and in Carmarthen. Prior to that he taught Welsh in a Valleys secondary school. He was himself a student on the EMW Theological Training Course from 2007 to 2011. He graduated in Welsh and History from Cardiff University and holds a Masters degree in Welsh from the same institution. His desire is that more and more Christians will come to know in a greater measure the God we serve today from studying His mighty deeds in previous generations (Psalm 145:3-4). He is married to Naomi and is an avid watcher of sport, particularly football, cricket and snooker!
Rev. Philip Eveson
BA (Wales.) MA (Cantab.) M.Th. (London) Biblical Studies: Old Testament
- I served churches in South Wales before ministering at the Kensit Evangelical Church, Finchley for 25 years. Since the London Seminary began I have lectured in the biblical languages and literature, especially Old Testament exegesis and theology and in the ten years before my retirement I was the Principal. I still give occasional lectures on Old Testament subjects at the seminary. Over the years, I have also had the privilege of preaching and lecturing in many parts of the world. My book The Great Exchange was one of the first to draw attention to the views of N T Wright. Other works include commentaries on Genesis, Leviticus and Psalms, the lives of Matthew Henry and Martyn Lloyd-Jones and a history of the 1904 revival as it affected North Wales. Besides relaxing with the grandchildren, I enjoy gardening and playing the piano and organ.
Rev. Philip Swann
MCSP, Pastoral Theology
- After a career as a Chartered Physiotherapist working primarily with Mental Health, Phil began in ministry as an Assistant Minister in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. Following this he was as Associate Minister in Bridgend and in 1998 he became Pastor of Llanelli Free Evangelical Church, where he still is today. Phil completed the TTC himself in 1992 and has been teaching Pastoral theology since 2007. Phil is also a Trustee of the EMW with responsibility for its minister’s work in Wales, he also chairs the EMW Pastoral Team. To relax he enjoys seeing his wife cheer him on at events where he swims until he sinks, rides his bike until he’s cross eyed and runs until he falls over.
Rev. Mark Thomas
BSc (Wales). Systematic Theology
- Mark has been Minister of Borras Park Evangelical Church in Wrexham since 2003, and General Secretary of the Evangelical Movement of Wales since 2018. He is also a Trustee of Affinity. Prior to the Christian Ministry, Mark worked as a Chartered Accountant.
With respect to pastoral theology, other lecturers, who are not part of the faculty but who have particular experience (e.g. world mission), will assist in the course. Evening sessions will be addressed by members of the faculty and by visiting speakers.
