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Staff & Leadership Team
SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Ben Blackwell
Principal
I joined the staff of WTC as Vice-Principal in 2023, and took at the role of Principal in January 2025, and also teach New Testament. I completed my 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. My primary teaching and research areas include New Testament and Theology, and I thoroughly enjoy interacting with students on a wide variety of topics. I have a strong desire to invest in the church, and have 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.
Nigel Langford
Chief Operating Officer
I joined the staff team in 2025 as Chief Operating Officer at WTC after serving for ten years at Bible Society, mainly in the role of Director of Domestic Mission, and being Chair of the WTC Board of Trustees. I have a degree in Politics and Modern History but am also an alumni of WTC having completed the GradDip and working through my Masters. I used to work in the City of London before becoming involved in church leadership and planting. I am particularly passionate about adoption, fostering and rugby! I am married to Nicky and have one son, Dominic. I enjoy walking, drinking coffee and reading.
Carl Palmer
Chief Technology Officer
I have been with WTC since 2011 in the role of IT Manager, and more recently as Chief Technology Officer. My role includes the support and development of all aspects of IT at WTC. I support students, staff, Hubs and faculty in the delivery of the courses all over the UK. As well as being Director of IT, I also look after the design and development of the CDMS product with the team in WTC Consulting Ltd. I was born in Shropshire and attended University in Liverpool where I gained a BSc in Multimedia Systems. I have since worked in a number of fields. I am married to Jo and we have two daughters.
SENIOR ACADEMIC TEAM
Freddy Hedley
Dean of Studies
I have worked with WTC in one capacity or another since 2010, first as a Hub Director and then later as a member of Faculty. I have also been a student, gaining an MA with WTC as my first step into an academic career. I joined the WTC staff team full-time in 2020, initially as Director of Undergraduate Studies and then as Dean of Studies from 2022. In this role, I oversee the management and delivery of our academic programmes and work with the Registry Team to manage our student support services. I also teach Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew. I have a BA in History and English Literature, a PGCE in History, an MA in Kingdom Theology, and a PhD in Hebrew Bible from Kings College London. My research interests include: Hebrew poetry, especially lament poetry; exilic biblical literature; and the theological traditions of creation and covenant. I live near Cheltenham with my wife Ali and our two daughters.
Lucy Peppiatt
President
Lucy is the President of WTC, following her role as Principal from 2013-2024, and she teaches Christian Doctrine at WTC. She holds bachelor's degrees in both English and Divinity. She completed her MA in Systematic Theology at King’s College, London, and her PhD through the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. She and her husband, Nick Crawley, founded Crossnet Church where they still serve as guardians and which is part of the 24-7 Prayer Communities Network.
DIRECTORS
Alex Collishaw
Senior Registrar
I joined the WTC team in 2010 and my work is very varied as I work closely with our students, faculty, and staff at our validating university. I was born in Polruan, Cornwall but lived oversees for most of my childhood in the Middle East (Ahwaz in Iran and Dubai). I hold a BSc (Hons) in Statistics and Operational Research, a Graduate Diploma in Kingdom Theology, and an MA in Kingdom Theology. Prior to joining WTC I worked in the Civil Service in London as a Government Statistician. I am married to Ashley, and we have three adult children.
Sam Hannis
Finance Controller
I joined the staff team in 2025 as Finance Controller at WTC after working for 13 years at the University of Oxford in the Finance Division. I am an alumni of WTC having completed the GradDip and PGDip, and am finally attempting to complete my MA dissertation. I am a CPFA qualified accountant who also read Cancer Biology and Immunology (B.Sc (Hons)) at the University of Bristol - some of which is relevant for my current role. When not looking at spreadsheets I keep busy in Cirencester with my family, our church and going for walks in and around the Cotswolds.
Diane Lincoln
Director of Student Services
I joined WTC in 2024 to do part-time academic administration, including various things to support the registry and academic teams. I love encouraging theological education wherever possible. I have a BA in Cross-cultural Ministry and an MA in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Seminary. I completed my PhD in Theology from Exeter University in 2019 where I looked at theological motivations in missional and emerging church literature and how those were seen in church plants in the UK. I grew up in America, but moved to the UK more than 30 years ago to be involved with church planting and pastoral ministry. I’m married to Aaron, and we have two adult children. I’m involved at Gloucester Vineyard Church where I enjoy serving in a variety of ways. Whenever possible, we love to travel.
Rich Lush
Director of Operations
My journey with WTC started back in 2017 when I started studying the Graduate Diploma while working as a Youth Worker in a local church. In 2019 I continued onto the MA programme and joined the team as a Hub Director. My role over time has continued to evolve, and in May 2025, my wife, Maria and I moved to Cheltenham to take up the full time role of Director of Operations. My passion is for the church to thrive, and I love to support individuals and projects that facilitate this. I’ve worked in an eclectic number of organisations in numerous roles, including for Chichester District Foodbank, Big Church Festival, Bible For Life and Revelation Church. When I’m not working, I love to read, play board games, very occasionally go to the gym, and walking our cockapoo, Roxy. Additionally , I have a BA in English and Creative Writing from Chichester.
Sally Tate
Director of Events & Partnerships
I joined the central WTC team in 2021 and am responsible for organising the bi-annual Residentials and other WTC Events. When I started studying with WTC in 2018, I was working as an Engineer in the Pharmaceutical Industry - I had no idea then what God had planned for me! Studying with WTC has started me on an amazing journey... and a career change as I loved WTC so much that I took on the role of Hub Director for Bristol in 2019 and am now doing the Events role. When I am not telling everyone how wonderful WTC is, I enjoy running - but only when it's finished, then chatting and making jokes. I am on the leadership team of my local church in Bristol and am lucky to be married to a man from Northern Ireland with whom I have three daughters.
Mary Thomason
Director of Hub Operations
A theology enthusiast, I came to work for WTC in 2023 to lead the Manchester Hub, moving into the Director of Hub Operations role in 2025. I completed my BA and MA in Theology with Nazarene Theological College in Manchester. Following my studies I have been involved with and supported various different ministry contexts and missional communities and have also worked for many years in business. I am currently a PhD candidate in Biblical Theology with Nazarene Theological College. My research is focussed on trust, women and Mary Magdalene. My work with WTC brings together my passions to create spaces of connection with God and each other, a deep knowing of God, worship, a value of God’s presence, and a desire to see great theology equip the Church. When I am not thinking about theology I enjoy the great company of family and friends, the smell of an old book, a long hike, listening to a good podcast, discovering beauty, nerding out on history and going on adventures.
STAFF TEAM
Sarah Burdett
Registrar
I joined WTC in 2016 as course administrator. I love using my administrative skills to support the students and faculty at WTC. My job is varied and includes looking after the MA students and managing the library, as well as liaising with faculty about their modules. Before joining WTC I was the Administrator at Holy Apostles Church where I still worship and am an active member. Prior to this I was a Government Statistician having gained a PGDip in Applied Statistics and a BSc in Genetics. I am a devoted Radio 4 and 4 Extra listener, and enjoy walking, activity filled holidays and cooking. I am married to Steve and have two grown up children.
Lesley Caldwell
Foundations Course Administrator
I joined WTC in August 2023. I work closely with everyone involved in our Foundations in Theology Course. I studied a joint BEd with Music Honours at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Glasgow University and alongside my part-time role with WTC I currently teach Music in a School to pupils aged 11-18. I am married to Mark (a Glaswegian)and we have a beautiful energetic 3 year old black lab/retriever called Samson (yes he lives up to all the hair!). I have lived in various places, but recently moved to Lockerbie in Scotland.
Sarah Coppin
Prisons Programme Director
I joined the staff team in 2024 in order to pioneer WTC’s new Prisons Programme. What started out as an idea to set up a small theological learning community inside of one prison has now expanded to provide online theological learning resources to many prisons up and down the country! I am originally from South Africa but grew up moving fairly consistently, and ended up settling in the UK in 2009. I have also lived in India and Australia, and am passionate about God’s Kingdom mandate for Christians to serve the marginalised. In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, I write regularly for Substack, and I drink far too much coffee.
Sarah Edwards
Hub Night Support
I joined WTC in September 2024 as the Hub Night IT Support person. I primarily work alongside the Hub Directors and Faculty to help facilitate the Zoom calls on Hub Nights. I live in York and have a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience. Alongside WTC, I work as an Activities & Volunteers Co-ordinator for a community centre that supports older people to reduce isolation and loneliness. It has been one of the most rewarding jobs, and on the average day you will find me drinking copious amounts of tea and setting up a game of Bingo. I also love painting and over lockdown set up a little business selling cards and prints.
Sophie Gerrie
Academic Engagement Coordinator
I joined WTC in 2024 as the Academic Engagement Coordinator where I support the events team, create content for social media and provide operational support to the exec team. Prior to WTC, I served as the Head of Programme for Undergraduate Ministry and Theology degrees at Tabor College in South Australia. In this role, I provided pastoral care and administrative support for students, while also lecturing primarily in Biblical Studies. Beyond academics, I have a background in event management, marketing, and pastoral ministry. I hold a BA in Social Science and a Master of Divinity. I was born and raised in Australia with dual citizenship in the UK. A spontaneous trip to help a friend move house turned into a permanent residence! I'm a self-proclaimed nerd, bringing passion and attention to detail to everything I do, from brewing the perfect cup of coffee to capturing astro-landscape photographs, and now, to serving our community at WTC.
Kenny Innes
TheoDisc Podcast Host
I began studies with WTC in 2020, and in 2021 I became the Hub Director for the newly established Scotland Hub, and also provided support to other Hubs as Director of Hub Operations for 3 years. I am the founding host of TheoDisc, WTC's podcast, where I talk with theologians in a way that helps others ‘get in on’ the conversation. It’s a privilege to work with WTC and invite others to engage with life-giving theology. Before working with WTC, I was in pastoral and worship ministry for 19 years, and I am still active in leadership at Falkirk Vineyard Church. I hold a BA in Film & Media Studies with English Literature, as well as a GradDip and MA in Kingdom Theology, and am currently pursuing a PhD in theology. I love reading, film, music and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serve great food. I’m married to Sandra, and we have two children.
Tom Lloyd
CPL Programme Director
I’ve been working with WTC since 2021 as the Programme Director for the Church Planting & Leadership track on the GradDip. I also completed my BA with WTC. I also pastor and lead a church revitalisation in a small community in South Wales. I’m passionate about seeing healthy, well-equipped leaders in healthy, multiplying churches. I’m married to Ruth, with two young boys. Before I was a dad I used to enjoy playing instruments, songwriting, and football!
Juan Pedro Smit
Communications Manager
I’ve been at WTC since 2015, designing and producing the visual materials for WTC centrally, looking after the website, producing and editing teaching and publicity videos, editing and distributing the podcast (TheoDisc), as well as making sure our Hubs have all the resources they need locally. I previously spent two years on OM’s ship, the Logos II, where I met my wife and was leading the Audio/Visual Team onboard. Then worked at OM’s headquarters in Carlisle, Cumbria, as part of the media team called OMNIvision, doing various technical and creative jobs involving sound desks, editing studios, and travelling internationally. I studied at Redcliffe College, doing a BA(Hons) in Applied Theology and a PGDip in European Mission, both with honours. I was born and raised in South Africa, am married to Claire, who is from Bath, and have two teenage children who were both born in Cumbria. I love sports - I cycle to work from Gloucester to Cheltenham daily, keeping me fit to do triathlons, and run half marathons on a regular basis.
David Stuart
Non-Validated Courses Programme Director
I have been working with WTC since 2025 as a Hub Director as well as assisting WTC’s Hub Operations, Academic Delivery, and the delivery of non-validated Courses. I am passionate about how theological education can serve and transform the church. I hold a BA in Theology, a PGDE in RMPS, an MLitt in Systematic and Historical Theology, and a PhD in Systematic and Political Theology from the University of St Andrews entitled ‘Learning to Love: A Theological Response to our Polarised World’. I live with my wife Madeleine in Cupar, Fife.
Clare Vernon
Learning Development Tutor
I teach study skills (learning development) and support our disabled and neurodiverse students. I love getting to know students and working with them individually so that they can thrive in their studies. I’ve always been fascinated by the mechanics of how essays work and how students acquire critical thinking skills. I’m dyslexic, which means I understand firsthand the challenges and triumphs of neurodiverse students. I have a BA in French and Italian and an MPhil and PhD in medieval studies. My research specialism is cross-cultural and inter-faith encounters in the medieval Mediterranean, with a focus on southern Italy. I’ve worked as a lecturer in history, art history and humanities foundation year at various universities, including Cambridge, Manchester and Birkbeck. I’ve also taught academic English and study skills at Southampton and the Warburg Institute. I live in London.
WTC Consulting
Engineering Team Leads
Pete Edwards
Systems Architect
I joined the WTC Staff team in November 2014 to work alongside the Director of Operations and the IT Manager in providing operational and IT support to the WTC central office. My role involves supporting the online library system, building our student management system and generally trying to help make things easier for everyone. I live in Manchester with my wife, 2 daughters and a lodger. My background is in software development, previously working in the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors but I now work freelance. This has given me the opportunity to help different organisations (including WTC, churches and even a US government department) using a wide mix of skills and I love the varied work this gives me.
Peter Farmer
Infrastructure Architect & HESA Specialist
I joined WTC in Aug 2023. I work alongside the Director of IT, providing additional development and operational support for the student management system. This involves writing new features and improvements for the CDMS and I also provide technical support for CDMS clients of WTC Consulting Ltd. Prior to working at WTC, I spent most of my career working for Internet Service Providers, predominantly in Systems engineering and architecture. I live in Kent with my wife Donna, who is a WTC student. We have a son and two daughters, and a cocker spaniel called Norrie. I’m on the leadership team of a local community church. I enjoy making things with my laser cutter and am also a proper geek!
Explore our programmes to find one that best suits you!
VALIDATED PART-TIME PROGRAMMES
NON-VALIDATED
The 2-year CertHE is for those with no prior Higher Education experience who would like to go deeper in their faith.
The full 6-year BA(Hons) degree programme is ideal for those with no prior Higher Education experience.
The 2-year GradDip is for those without a theology degree. With optional Church Planting and Leadership track.
The MA, with taught modules taken over 2 or 3 years, is for those who already have a degree or GradDip in theology.
The 1-year Foundations Course is for those who wish to explore the foundations of the Christian faith.