Faculty
WATCH: Our Faculty Factoids!
STAFF FACULTY TEAM
Lucy Peppiatt, PhD
Principal, Systematic Theology
Lucy has been Principal at WTC since 2013. She teaches courses in Christian doctrine and in spiritual formation. She holds bachelor’s degrees in both English and Theology. She completed her MA in Systematic Theology at King’s College, London, and her PhD through the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Lucy’s research interests are Christ and the Spirit, Charismatic theology, theological anthropology, discipleship, 1 Corinthians, and women in the Bible. Lucy is part of Crossnet Church in Bristol and loves serving in the local church. She and her husband, Nick Crawley, are committed to teaching the Bible and discipling young people.
Find out more about Lucy Peppiatt HERE.
Prof Ben Blackwell, PhD
Vice-Principal, New Testament
Ben is Vice-Principal of WTC and teaches New Testament. Ben completed his PhD at Durham University, ThM at Dallas Theological Seminary, an MBA from Henderson State University, and BAs in Accounting and Biblical Languages at Ouachita Baptist University. His primary teaching and research areas include New Testament and Theology, and he thoroughly enjoys interacting with students on a wide variety of topics. With a strong desire to invest in the church, Ben has served as a lay leader in a variety of ministry areas such as social justice missions, teaching, and preaching, most recently in the Vineyard tradition.
Find out more about Ben Blackwell HERE.
Freddy Hedley, PhD
Dean of Studies, Old Testament
Freddy is Dean of Studies and teaches Biblical Studies, with a specific focus on the Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew. He holds a BA in History and English Literature, a PGCE in History, an MA in Kingdom Theology, and he gained his PhD in Hebrew Bible at King's College London in 2022. Prior to working full-time with WTC he was the Director of Fountain School of Theology in Norfolk, UK. His research interests include: Hebrew poetry, especially lament poetry; exilic biblical literature; and the theological traditions of creation and covenant. He is the author of 'The God of Page One' (2012) and 'The Colossian Image' (2016). Freddy lives in Churchdown with his wife Ali and their two daughters.
Find out more about Freddy Hedley HERE.
OUR TEACHING FACULTY
(In alphabetical order)
Ali Blacklee Whittall, MA
Research Methods & Old Testament
Ali teaches research methods and Old Testament at WTC. She holds a BA in Art History with English at Glasgow University, and a Graduate Diploma and MA at WTC. She has been teaching English and study skills in various schools and colleges for around 20 years. She loves art making as well as enjoying the countryside on her mountain and road bikes.
Amy Brown Hughes, PhD
Church History / Patristics
Amy teaches Patristics at WTC. She is an assistant professor of theology at Gordon College. She received her PhD in historical theology with an emphasis in early Christianity from Wheaton College and is the author (with Lynn H. Cohick, Denver Seminary) of 'Christian Women in the Patristic World: Their Influence, Authority, and Legacy in the Second Through Fifth Centuries' (2017). Her research interests include Eastern Christianity, trinitarian and christological thought, Christian asceticism, theological anthropology, and highlighting the contributions of minority voices to theology, especially those of women. She is also a co-host for the theology stream of the biblical studies and theology podcast OnScript.
Rev Joshua Cockayne, PhD
Student Ministry
Joshua Cockayne is City Centre Mission Lead in the Diocese of Leeds, leading a team to plant a new midweek church community in the centre of Leeds. He holds a BA in Philosophy, MA in Philosophy, Theology and Ethics, and PhD in Philosophical Theology all from the University of York. He is an an honorary lecturer at the School of Divinity at the University of St Andrews after teaching in the Logos Institute at St Andrews for the past four years. He has published work in on spirituality, ecclesiology and liturgy in a number of journals. His book on Kierkegaard and the Spiritual life was published by Baylor University Press in 2020.
Rev Nick Crawley, MA
Spiritual Formation
Nick is an ordained Anglican clergyman with experience of leading churches over nearly four decades in Twickenham, Harare (Zimbabwe), Sheffield and Bristol. He is deeply committed to the ministries of the Word and the Spirit and runs a discipling ministry based on the ‘Bible for Life’ website. His wife Lucy is a Systematic Theologian and author and is currently Principal of WTC. Nick enjoys golf, photography and walking their dog, Max.
Paulus de Jong, PhD
New Testament
Paulus teaches the Gospel of John at WTC. He was born in the Netherlands and has lived in Scotland for the past seven years. He holds a BA in Theology from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, and an MLitt and PhD in Biblical studies from the University of St Andrews. His research interests include (1) scriptural reuse in NT writings; (2) ethics & torah practices of early Jewish-Christian communities; (3) anything to do with John's Gospel. Besides his work at WTC, Paulus is a lecturer in Biblical studies at the Scottish Baptist College and a pastor at St Andrews Baptist church. He is married and has two daughters.
Rev Bob Ekblad, PhD
Missions & Social Justice
Bob teaches missions and social justice at WTC. He is a theologian and missionary. He has spent 33 years in international mission and is particularly passionate about working with the poor and ethnic minorities. Bob holds a ThD in Old Testament. He is an international speaker and has authored five books including 'Reading the Bible With the Damned' (2005), 'A New Christian Manifesto' (2007), 'The Beautiful Gate' (2017), and 'Guerrilla Gospel' (2018). He founded the Tierra Nueva outreach ministry which ministers to and people affected by immigration, incarceration and addiction, and runs a social coffee farming project. Through Tierra Nueva, Bob and his wife Gracie run the Certificate for Transformational Ministry at the Margins.
Alain Emerson, MDiv
Ecclesiology
Alain teaches Ecclesiology as part of the GradDip in Church Planting & Leadership. Alain has a Masters in Divinity from Union College Belfast and an honours degree in Information Management from Queens University, Belfast. Alain leads a church in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, called Emmanuel Church out of which a growing movement and family of churches as been birthed called Tobar. He is passionate about the expansion and establishment of the local church. Alain has been leading church for almost 20 years and spends most of his time inputting into churches, raising and multiplying leaders, developing a vision for city-wide impact and encouraging the planting of new churches. He is also the leader of 24-7 Prayer in Ireland and the author of 'Luminous Dark' (2017). He is married and has three children.
Rev Andrew Goddard, PhD
Christian Ethics
Andrew teaches Christian ethics on the MA Programme. He is a Senior Research Fellow of the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics based in Cambridge where he was previously Associate Director. He is also Adjunct Assistant Professor of Anglican Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California. He has been Tutor in Christian Ethics at Trinity College, Bristol (2008-2013) and also taught at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and was a member of the Faculty of Theology in Oxford University, (1999-2008). He is now living in central London where he is Assistant Minister at St James the Less, Pimlico and where his wife, Lis, is vicar.
Peter Hartwig, PhD Candidate
Theological Anthropology
Peter teaches 'On Being Truly Human' (Theological Anthropology) at WTC. He currently serves as Director of Spiritual Life at Christ School in Arden, NC where he gets to live out his passions for education, faith, and community-building. Peter was an Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia, receiving his B.A. in Religious Studies & Classics in 2016. He then went on to receive master’s degrees from the University of Cambridge (Theology, Religion & Philosophy of Religion) and the Princeton Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity).
Jack Johnson, PhD Graduand
Systematic Theology
Jack teaches Systematic Theology at WTC. He holds a BA(Hons) in Christian Theology and Politics from Liverpool Hope University, an MLitt in Systematic and Historical Theology from the University of St. Andrews and recently completed his PhD in Divinity, also at St. Andrews. Prior to working with WTC he was the administration manager of Storehouse St. Andrews and has also held roles as President of Liverpool Hope Students Union, and teaching responsibilities at the University of St. Andrews. His research interests include: divine being; especially, divine attribute(s) and passability, time and eternity, Trinity, Christology and prayer.
Jasper Knecht, PhD
Systematic Theology
Jasper teaches Christian Doctrine at WTC. He grew up in the Netherlands, and completed his BA in Theology and Biblical Studies at the Evangelische Theologische Faculteit (Evangelical Theological Faculty) or ETF in Leuven, Belgium. He completed his MPhil and PhD at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. His interests include the history of doctrine, and particularly the development of Christological thought in the Patristic era, Late Antiquity, and the Early Medieval Church. Jasper is married to Stefania and is a big fan of classical music. Besides his work at WTC, he works with a Christian think tank in Austria.
Tamara Knudson, PhD
Old Testament
Tamara teaches Old Testament at WTC. She holds a BA from Multnomah University, an MLitt from the University of St Andrews, and recently completed her PhD in Biblical Studies, also at the University of St Andrews. Her work focuses on literary analysis of the Old Testament, with particular attention to the portrayal of female characters, intertextuality, and oaths and vows as poetic devices. She is married to Ethan, and they have one daughter, Eilidh. As a family, they love the outdoors and the joy of a good book.
Jared Michelson, PhD
Systematic Theology
Jared teaches on the module God through the Ages at WTC. He is the lead minister of Cornerstone Church in St Andrews, Scotland where he has lived for the past ten years with his wife Becky. They have two young daughters. He has a BA in Bible and Church History from the Masters College, and an MLitt and PhD in Divinity from the University of St Andrews. He writes on matters broadly related to constructive systematic theology and serves as an honorary chaplain and lecturer at the University of St Andrews.
Roger Mitchell, PhD
Political Theology
Roger is a lecturer in political theology. After decades as church planting evangelist, strategic prayer mobiliser and reconciliation facilitator Roger has spent the past fourteen years as a doctoral researcher and honorary research fellow at Lancaster University where he was also the partnerships coordinator for the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies. He now convenes the Ashburnham Kingdom Theology Research Collective. Roger has a BA in English with Religious Studies, an MA and a PhD in Religious Studies from Lancaster University.His most recent publications include “Authority Without Sovereignty”, edited by Anthony J. Carroll et al (2015); "Cultivating New Post-secular Political Space" (2019).
Bev Murrill, MA
Leadership
Bev teaches transformational leadership at WTC. She has been the senior leader of a UK network of churches (Christian Growth International) for almost two decades and speaks internationally at conferences and churches on the need for Christians to operate as catalysts for the Kingdom of God in their spheres of influence. Her Masters in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, combined with over 30 years’ experience, enables her to speak into issues of leadership as a consultant and mentor in church and charity sectors. A pioneer and innovator, Bev is the visionary founder for Liberti magazine UK, Cherish Uganda, Kyria Network for women leaders, and other projects in UK and Australia. Bev is a widow, after having been married 46 years to Rick with whom she co-led CGI. She has 4 children and 12 grandchildren living in UK and Australia.
Prof Jason Myers, PhD
New Testament
Jason teaches New Testament at WTC, where he also supervises BA and MA dissertations. He is the Professor of Religion, Ethics and Philosophy at Greensboro College, North Carolina. He received his Ph.D. from Asbury Theological Seminary, his MDiv from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Michigan, and his BA from Cedarville University, Ohio. He is the co-author of “The Paul Quest II” with Ben Witherington III (IVP 2019). He lectures in India, Nigeria, Estonia, Turkey, Italy, and England. Jason is active in both the academy and the church and has preached and taught at several churches in Greensboro, North Carolina. Jason is married and they have 2 children.
Prof Andrew Parker, PhD
Professional Formation
Andrew teaches Professional Formation. He is a freelance leadership consultant with specific expertise in the 1-1 coaching of high-level leaders. Between 2008-2018 he was Professor of Sport and Christian Outreach at the University of Gloucestershire and prior to that he was Associate Professor at the University of Warwick (1999-2008) where he completed his PhD. He presently fulfils academic duties at St Padarn’s Institute (University of Cardiff) and Truett Seminary. With over 100 published articles, working papers and commissioned reports to his name (including 10 edited books), Andrew is an established academic who has a reputation as an effective leader and communicator and whose work is accessible to a wide audience.
Ruth Perrin, PhD
Church and Student Culture
Ruth has a BA in History from Leeds University, an MA in Theology and Ministry from Cranmer Hall, and a PhD from the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University. In addition to teaching on our Graduate Diploma in Student Ministry, she is a Leech Research Fellow undertaking post-doctoral research into the faith of Millennials in the North-East of England. She is also a tutor on the Cranmer Free Church Track, associate staff at King’s Church Durham and a trainer in Christian leadership. Her published works include: The Bible Reading of Young Evangelicals (Wipf & Stock 2016); ‘Searching for Sisters’ in The Faith Life of Women and Girls (Ashgate 2013) and Inspiring Women; Discovering Biblical Role Models (Grove B42).
Annalisa Philips Wilson, PhD
New Testament
Annalisa teaches New Testament at WTC. She holds an MA from King’s College London, and a PhD in New Testament studies at Durham University. Her research is on Paul’s instructions regarding Torah observance in comparison with ancient Stoic ethical reasoning. She returned to biblical studies after years spent at home caring for her two children, and working in churches in Virginia (USA), and Buckinghamshire. Annalisa has two decades of experience in a wide variety of church work, including teaching, mentoring and discipleship, children’s work, and music ministry. She currently studies at a distance whilst assisting her husband in a church revitalisation work in Finchley, North London, where they live with their two boys, a dog, and far too many footballs for her to keep track of.
Sarah Shin, PhD Candidate
Evangelism & Church Planting
Sarah teaches charismatic evangelism and church planting at WTC. She was formerly the Associate National Director for Evangelism for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, USA, where she oversaw the contextualized evangelism tools that were developed for students and faculty. She is the author of 'Beyond Colorblind' (IV Press, 2017) and teaches a video course at Northern Seminary along the themes of the book. She holds the following degrees: BS at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in City Planning and Architecture (2004), a Master in City Planning at MIT (2005), a MA in Theology from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, an MLitt in Analytical and Exegetical Theology from University of St. Andrews, Scotland. She is currently a candidate in systematic theology at the University of Aberdeen, researching the relationship between atonement and ethics. She, her husband, and daughter live in Aberdeen and are part of Catalyst Vineyard Church.
Tobias Siegenthaler, PhD
New Testament & Mission
Tobias grew up in Switzerland surrounded by mountains and nature. After completing school his interest for theology was awakened by reading Bonhoeffer’s letters from prison. In the following years he studied theology and completed an apprenticeship as a metal-worker. For some time he worked in construction and later for several years caring for migrants from different backgrounds. Next to that he was employed by different churches, which formed his understanding of ministry. He recently completed his PhD, which focuses on how the gospel of Luke picks up patterns from the Joseph-narratives in Genesis to tell the story about Jesus. In his leisure time he still enjoys nature and sports.
Chloe Swart, PhD
Student Mission
Chloe teaches student mission at WTC. She holds an undergraduate degree in Theology and Religion from the University of Chichester and has recently received her PhD, investigating healing miracles in Wales. She has been the student worker at her local church, Cornerstone in Swansea, for 7 years as well as working part time for Alpha as head of Alpha, Wales. She is married to Russo, a South African, who is completing an Engineering PhD at Swansea University.
Christina Walker, MA
Communication
Christina Walker is a visiting lecturer in Voice and Communication at Wycliffe Hall and Ripon College, Oxford and has also taught Voice at Oak Hill, North London, Regent’s Theological College in West Malvern and delivered Communications in Preaching workshops at Trinity College, Bristol. She works with business and private clients wanting to improve their presenting and vocal skills. Christina is also a Minds Practitioner for Nudge Education, mentoring young people who are out of school. She trained in Musical Theatre and has 30+ years’ experience in professional theatre, TV & radio.
Alister Wallace, PhD
Old Testament
Alister teaches Introduction to Old Testament on our BA Programme. He studied for a degree in Public Policy and Management at the University of Ulster and then one in Divinity at Union Theological College. He also has a MTh and PhD from Queen’s University Belfast. He regularly works with missions organisations in ‘Access Restricted Nations’ in Asia training pastors and teaching OT. He is a Pastor with Christian Fellowship Church in Northern Ireland and currently Co-leads their Antrim site with his wife Ruth.
Steve Watts, PhD
Church History
Steve teaches church history and spirituality. He is Assistant Professor of History and Dean of the Chapel at Crandall University, Moncton, and is the primary History Distance Education Instructor for Regent College, Vancouver. He received his PhD in Mediaeval History at the University of St Andrews and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies in Toronto. He graduated from Regent in 2010 with an MCS in Interdisciplinary Studies. He presently lives in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, with his wonderful wife and four bright-eyed children.
Aaron White, MA
Biblical Justice
Aaron White is the National Director of 24-7 Prayer Canada and has a Masters in Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary. He has been a pastor, missioner, justice worker and prayer instigator in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver for the past 17 years, where he lives with his wife and four children in a community home. He is the Resident Theologian at Jacob’s Well and the Vancouver representative of the International Association for Refugees. Aaron is the co-author of 'Revolution' and 'The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Kingdom of God'; co-creator The Creative Way Down discipleship resource; and author of 'Recovering: From Brokenness and Addiction to Blessedness and Community'.
Joanna Williamson, DMin
Spiritual Formation & Leadership
Joanna teaches Spiritual Formation & Leadership at WTC. She is co-founder and co-director of One Rock International and the founder and of SheLives. She is half Polish and half German. Prior to deciding to work full time for a Christian ministry Joanna worked for Polish government and was responsible for European Union integration and has training in diplomatic protocol. Over the last 20 years she has travelled to over 40 countries around the world training leaders, coaches and mentors. Joanna is a Global Catalyst for Lausanne Movement in the area of Leadership. She is a lecturer at William Carrey International University in California and the director of MA in Public Service Leadership at Waverley Abbey. Joanna and her husband Mark have been involved in leading a Fresh Expression church for the last 16 years.
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