Meet the Teams Lecturers and leadership

Revd Dave Newton, MA

Dave is the Director of Training at Elim, and Principal of Regents Theological College. He has extensive experience in equipping leaders, and leading mission’s organisations. He served for over 10 years on the leadership team at Youth for Christ (YFC), where he pioneered and established projects of national significance in Justice and Education. He completed his MA in Mission (Evangelism) in 2010, becoming Principal of Regents Theological College in 2015. Playing a key role within the future of the Elim Churches, he is committed to ensuring that theological engagement has practical implications. His research interests include the place of gospel articulation in youth culture, whilst exploring alternative theological frameworks for enhancing mission and ministry. Dave has been an elder and member of the Elim church in Wallasey for many years, and is a gifted strategic thinker, speaker and trainer, lecturing at a number of leading theological institutions, and is regularly asked to speak around the UK and abroad.

Director of Elim Training and Principal

Dave is the Director of Training at Elim, and Principal of Regents Theological College. He has extensive experience in equipping leaders, and leading mission’s organisations. He served for over 10 years on the leadership team at Youth for Christ (YFC), where he pioneered and established projects of national significance in Justice and Education. He completed his MA in Mission (Evangelism) in 2010, becoming Principal of Regents Theological College in 2015. Playing a key role within the future of the Elim Churches, he is committed to ensuring that theological engagement has practical implications. His research interests include the place of gospel articulation in youth culture, whilst exploring alternative theological frameworks for enhancing mission and ministry. Dave has been an elder and member of the Elim church in Wallasey for many years, and is a gifted strategic thinker, speaker and trainer, lecturing at a number of leading theological institutions, and is regularly asked to speak around the UK and abroad.

Dr Martin Clay BA, PhD

Martin has been at Regents since 2002. He has a BA (Hons) from the University of Manchester and a PhD from the University of Wales. His doctoral studies explored the intersection of biblical theology and philosophical hermeneutics. Much of his teaching focuses on facilitating deeper Christian understanding of the Old Testament, especially the literature and theology of the Torah/Pentateuch and the Hebrew Prophets. His current research interests concern the field of biblical theology, especially the problem of the interrelationship of the Old and New Testaments, the relevance of Scripture for contemporary theological and ethical controversies, and the role of Scripture in healthy discipleship formation. He also cultivates a critical interest in the appropriation of Scripture by continental philosophers, and particularly Gianni Vattimo.

Dean of Postgraduate Studies

Martin has been at Regents since 2002. He has a BA (Hons) from the University of Manchester and a PhD from the University of Wales. His doctoral studies explored the intersection of biblical theology and philosophical hermeneutics. Much of his teaching focuses on facilitating deeper Christian understanding of the Old Testament, especially the literature and theology of the Torah/Pentateuch and the Hebrew Prophets. His current research interests concern the field of biblical theology, especially the problem of the interrelationship of the Old and New Testaments, the relevance of Scripture for contemporary theological and ethical controversies, and the role of Scripture in healthy discipleship formation. He also cultivates a critical interest in the appropriation of Scripture by continental philosophers, and particularly Gianni Vattimo.

Revd Dr Simo Frestadius, BA, MA, PhD

Simo undertook both his BA (Hons) and MA at Regents Theological College. In his PhD at the University of Birmingham he explored Pentecostal epistemology, rationality and theological hermeneutics. At Regents he lectures on Pentecostal theology, Christian apologetics, public theology and Johannine theology. Simo spent his childhood in Tanzania, the majority of his teenage years in Finland, and for most of his adult life he has lived in England. He is married to Caroline and they have two children.

Academic Dean Undergraduate Studies

Simo undertook both his BA (Hons) and MA at Regents Theological College. In his PhD at the University of Birmingham he explored Pentecostal epistemology, rationality and theological hermeneutics. At Regents he lectures on Pentecostal theology, Christian apologetics, public theology and Johannine theology. Simo spent his childhood in Tanzania, the majority of his teenage years in Finland, and for most of his adult life he has lived in England. He is married to Caroline and they have two children.

Revd Dr Jonathan Black MTh PhD

Jonathan grew up in a Pentecostal church in Northern Ireland, from where he went to read theology at the University of Cambridge. This was followed by an MTh at the Continental Theological Seminary and the University of Wales. For several years he served in a leadership role in a Pentecostal church in Brussels, whilst also teaching theology in Belgium, throughout Europe and Africa. Returning to the UK he then pastored a church in Leeds. Whilst there, he completed a PhD in systematic and historical theology at the University of Chester, and wrote one of the only systematic theologies from a British Pentecostal perspective. Jonathan is also an ordained pastor and teacher in the Apostolic Church.

Theology Track Leader and Lecturer

Jonathan grew up in a Pentecostal church in Northern Ireland, from where he went to read theology at the University of Cambridge. This was followed by an MTh at the Continental Theological Seminary and the University of Wales. For several years he served in a leadership role in a Pentecostal church in Brussels, whilst also teaching theology in Belgium, throughout Europe and Africa. Returning to the UK he then pastored a church in Leeds. Whilst there, he completed a PhD in systematic and historical theology at the University of Chester, and wrote one of the only systematic theologies from a British Pentecostal perspective. Jonathan is also an ordained pastor and teacher in the Apostolic Church.

Rich Hasnip MA

As one of the leading Christian drama practitioners in the country, Richard has worked for Saltmine and Riding Lights theatre companies; and as an actor, writer and director is committed to communicating Christ through theatre and performance. His qualifications include an MA in English Literature and Language at St Andrews, and an MA in Shakespeare and Theatre at The Shakespeare Institute at the University of Birmingham. In 2016 he received The Tom Matheson Award for outstanding scholarly work in the field of Theatre and Creativity. His research interests include Shakespearean performance and the intersection between theatre and spirituality, and he is a founder member of Regents based Attic Ladder Theatre Company.

Performing Arts Track Leader

As one of the leading Christian drama practitioners in the country, Richard has worked for Saltmine and Riding Lights theatre companies; and as an actor, writer and director is committed to communicating Christ through theatre and performance. His qualifications include an MA in English Literature and Language at St Andrews, and an MA in Shakespeare and Theatre at The Shakespeare Institute at the University of Birmingham. In 2016 he received The Tom Matheson Award for outstanding scholarly work in the field of Theatre and Creativity. His research interests include Shakespearean performance and the intersection between theatre and spirituality, and he is a founder member of Regents based Attic Ladder Theatre Company.

Ollie Ward, BA (Hons), MA

Whilst working as a youth worker at Sheringham Baptist Church, Ollie set up Velocity Youth Theatre igniting his passion for theology and the performing arts. In 2009 this led him to study at Regents to further explore the synthesis of Applied Theology and Performing Arts, gaining a BA (Hons). He went on to complete an MA in Contemporary Theatre Practices at the University of Worcester, whilst he continued to lead youth theatres and work with young people. His research interests are in practical theology and contemporary culture, theatre that has a social impact, community and political theatre, and the interaction between philosophy and performance. His inspiration comes from practitioners like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who engaged young people in authentic spirituality, Augusto Boal, who used theatre for social change, and Peter Brook, who attempted to make the invisible, present on stage.

Youth Track Course Leader and Performing Arts Track tutor

Whilst working as a youth worker at Sheringham Baptist Church, Ollie set up Velocity Youth Theatre igniting his passion for theology and the performing arts. In 2009 this led him to study at Regents to further explore the synthesis of Applied Theology and Performing Arts, gaining a BA (Hons). He went on to complete an MA in Contemporary Theatre Practices at the University of Worcester, whilst he continued to lead youth theatres and work with young people. His research interests are in practical theology and contemporary culture, theatre that has a social impact, community and political theatre, and the interaction between philosophy and performance. His inspiration comes from practitioners like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who engaged young people in authentic spirituality, Augusto Boal, who used theatre for social change, and Peter Brook, who attempted to make the invisible, present on stage.

Revd Jenny Kimble BSc, MA

Jenny has been part of Regents Theological College since 2007 when she began an undergraduate programme, going on to gain an MA in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies. Prior to that, she completed a BSc (Hons) in Human Biology, subsequently working as a Scripture Union Schools Worker in Letchworth. Following her undergraduate studies at Regents, Jenny was Youth Worker and Minister in Training (MIT) in Warrington, and became an Assistant Minister in High Wycombe after being ordained in 2011. Jenny joined the Regents faculty in 2015, currently serves on the leadership team of a local Elim church and has previously worked as a hospital chaplain. Her current research interests include social identity in Christian contexts and the role of placements within theological training.

Church Leadership Assistant Track Leader & Ministry Foundation Certificate Course Leader

Jenny has been part of Regents Theological College since 2007 when she began an undergraduate programme, going on to gain an MA in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies. Prior to that, she completed a BSc (Hons) in Human Biology, subsequently working as a Scripture Union Schools Worker in Letchworth. Following her undergraduate studies at Regents, Jenny was Youth Worker and Minister in Training (MIT) in Warrington, and became an Assistant Minister in High Wycombe after being ordained in 2011. Jenny joined the Regents faculty in 2015, currently serves on the leadership team of a local Elim church and has previously worked as a hospital chaplain. Her current research interests include social identity in Christian contexts and the role of placements within theological training.

Revd Stephen Gibson, MA

Stephen joined the faculty of Regents Theological College in 2015, and teaches Pentecostal Worship. He currently serves as Associate Pastor of City Church Cardiff, and on the Core Team of Elim Sound, Elim’s national worship ministry. He was previously Associate Pastor at Elim Christian Fellowship, Paisley. His current work involves teaching and training worship leaders in the UK and abroad, as well as songwriting and recording projects. He is particularly interested in the growth of the creative arts as an expression of worship in the church. He has an MA in Linguistics from Glasgow University, and is currently studying an MA in Missional Leadership at Regents.

Adjunct Lecturer

Stephen joined the faculty of Regents Theological College in 2015, and teaches Pentecostal Worship. He currently serves as Associate Pastor of City Church Cardiff, and on the Core Team of Elim Sound, Elim’s national worship ministry. He was previously Associate Pastor at Elim Christian Fellowship, Paisley. His current work involves teaching and training worship leaders in the UK and abroad, as well as songwriting and recording projects. He is particularly interested in the growth of the creative arts as an expression of worship in the church. He has an MA in Linguistics from Glasgow University, and is currently studying an MA in Missional Leadership at Regents.

Revd Peter Read, BA, MA

Drawing on his extensive experience within leadership and pastoral ministry, Pete’s primary focus as Vice Principal of Regents is in training church leaders. His twin passions are for the Church to be engaged in outward looking mission, and for servant-hearted leadership that blends integrity and emotional intelligence. He is regularly involved in ministry in Denmark, Romania and the Czech Republic, and has trained leaders in India, The Philippines and China, often in partnership with Elim Global. He also trains church leaders at a number of local churches in the UK. His personal leadership role began in 1981 as Assistant Pastor at Bethshan Tabernacle, before he planted Reddish Community Church in 1983, where he became Senior Pastor. From 1999 he was Senior Associate Pastor at Bedworth Christian Centre in Warwickshire (later renamed King\'s Community Church), moving to Regents in 2008. He has an MA in Theology from the University of Manchester (Nazarene Theological College), and a BA in Architecture from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Vice Principal, Church Leadership Track Leader

Drawing on his extensive experience within leadership and pastoral ministry, Pete’s primary focus as Vice Principal of Regents is in training church leaders. His twin passions are for the Church to be engaged in outward looking mission, and for servant-hearted leadership that blends integrity and emotional intelligence. He is regularly involved in ministry in Denmark, Romania and the Czech Republic, and has trained leaders in India, The Philippines and China, often in partnership with Elim Global. He also trains church leaders at a number of local churches in the UK. His personal leadership role began in 1981 as Assistant Pastor at Bethshan Tabernacle, before he planted Reddish Community Church in 1983, where he became Senior Pastor. From 1999 he was Senior Associate Pastor at Bedworth Christian Centre in Warwickshire (later renamed King\’s Community Church), moving to Regents in 2008. He has an MA in Theology from the University of Manchester (Nazarene Theological College), and a BA in Architecture from Manchester Metropolitan University.

Revd Liam Hanna, BA, MBA, MA, MSc

Liam has an MA in Biblical Hermeneutics from Middlesex University, and an MBA from the University of Bradford, and studied Effective Management at the Manchester School of Management. He also has an MA in Education, Society and Technology from Bristol University. With his wife Colette, he served as a missionary in Nigeria with Mission Africa, and during his time there acted as Head of Theology, teaching in a seminary of the United Evangelical Church. As Director of Academic Development at Regents, Liam is primarily responsible for the development of online material to support different learning activities hosted on the college’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). At Undergraduate level, he teaches all Greek modules, Biblical Studies (New Testament components), Hermeneutics and Romans, Christian Leadership and Strategic Organisation Transformation, and The Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts to Master’s students. Liam’s research interests include Pauline pneumatology, hermeneutics and ethics grounded in Romans chapters 8 and 12. Liam has acted as an external assessor for a number of universities, and has recently been appointed as Higher Education Reviewer on behalf of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Director of Academic Development and Open Learning Leader

Liam has an MA in Biblical Hermeneutics from Middlesex University, and an MBA from the University of Bradford, and studied Effective Management at the Manchester School of Management. He also has an MA in Education, Society and Technology from Bristol University. With his wife Colette, he served as a missionary in Nigeria with Mission Africa, and during his time there acted as Head of Theology, teaching in a seminary of the United Evangelical Church. As Director of Academic Development at Regents, Liam is primarily responsible for the development of online material to support different learning activities hosted on the college’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). At Undergraduate level, he teaches all Greek modules, Biblical Studies (New Testament components), Hermeneutics and Romans, Christian Leadership and Strategic Organisation Transformation, and The Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts to Master’s students. Liam’s research interests include Pauline pneumatology, hermeneutics and ethics grounded in Romans chapters 8 and 12. Liam has acted as an external assessor for a number of universities, and has recently been appointed as Higher Education Reviewer on behalf of the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Revd Paul Folland, BA, MTh

Paul’s background is in secondary school teaching and education. He studied Church Leadership and Theology in Australia, before returning to the UK to take up the Assistant Pastor’s role at Letchworth Garden City Church, where he also became an ordained Elim Minister. He then moved to Rotherham in South Yorkshire where he led the Elim Christian Centre for 6 years. He has an MTh from Regents, joining the College as Pastoral Dean and Theology Track Leader in 2016. His passion is to train and equip people to thrive in whatever sphere of life they are called into.

Pastoral Dean and Lecturer

Paul’s background is in secondary school teaching and education. He studied Church Leadership and Theology in Australia, before returning to the UK to take up the Assistant Pastor’s role at Letchworth Garden City Church, where he also became an ordained Elim Minister. He then moved to Rotherham in South Yorkshire where he led the Elim Christian Centre for 6 years. He has an MTh from Regents, joining the College as Pastoral Dean and Theology Track Leader in 2016. His passion is to train and equip people to thrive in whatever sphere of life they are called into.

Revd Tim Alford

Tim is the National Director of “Limitless”, the youth movement of the Elim Pentecostal Churches in the UK and Ireland. He is a passionate communicator of the gospel, having spoken at churches, conferences, schools and events all over the world. He is the former frontman of [dweeb], a frustrated supporter of Arsenal, and lives in Malvern with his wife Jen and his son Tobijah.

Specialist Youth Track Lecturer

Tim is the National Director of “Limitless”, the youth movement of the Elim Pentecostal Churches in the UK and Ireland. He is a passionate communicator of the gospel, having spoken at churches, conferences, schools and events all over the world. He is the former frontman of [dweeb], a frustrated supporter of Arsenal, and lives in Malvern with his wife Jen and his son Tobijah.

Revd Gary Gibbs, MTh, Cert Ed (Oxon)

Gary is the National Director of REACH, Elim’s department for evangelism and church planting. His key areas of interest are in how the Christian gospel can best be communicated in 21st century culture, and planting fresh Christian communities in creative, incarnational ways. A gifted and inspirational communicator, Gary has been in evangelistic ministry for nearly four decades. Much of his time is taken up in communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ, as well as in training, equipping and mentoring others. Gary is married to Sally, the Regents College librarian.

National Director of REACH

Gary is the National Director of REACH, Elim’s department for evangelism and church planting. His key areas of interest are in how the Christian gospel can best be communicated in 21st century culture, and planting fresh Christian communities in creative, incarnational ways. A gifted and inspirational communicator, Gary has been in evangelistic ministry for nearly four decades. Much of his time is taken up in communicating the Good News of Jesus Christ, as well as in training, equipping and mentoring others. Gary is married to Sally, the Regents College librarian.

Revd Dr Keith Warrington, BA, MA, PhD

Keith studied for a BA at London Bible College, subsequently planting an Elim church, with his wife Judy, in Bootle, Merseyside. Following that, he led a church in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, before becoming a faculty member at Regents, where he remained for over 30 years as a lecturer in NT studies, becoming Vice-Principal and Director of Doctoral Studies. He has written several and many articles, and now travels extensively as a speaker, initiating training programmes for leaders with Elim Missions. He also directs Word and Spirit, a programme that enables believers to engage with the Bible in ways that are transformative (www.wordandspirit.info). 

Emeritus Reader in New Testament and Pentecostal Studies

Keith studied for a BA at London Bible College, subsequently planting an Elim church, with his wife Judy, in Bootle, Merseyside. Following that, he led a church in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, before becoming a faculty member at Regents, where he remained for over 30 years as a lecturer in NT studies, becoming Vice-Principal and Director of Doctoral Studies. He has written several and many articles, and now travels extensively as a speaker, initiating training programmes for leaders with Elim Missions. He also directs Word and Spirit, a programme that enables believers to engage with the Bible in ways that are transformative (www.wordandspirit.info). 
Visit his Website

Jill Garrett

Jill Garrett is Executive Director of Tentpeg Consulting, and regarded as an authority on leadership development. She has held senior managerial roles for over thirty years, as European Managing Director of the Gallup Organisation, as a Senior Account Manager, a Director of Leadership Development, and a Secondary School Head teacher. She designed and developed The Inspirational Leadership Tool in partnership with the Government’s Innovation Group, which has been widely used to help leaders optimise and apply their innate strengths. She is well known across a number of sectors in helping cultural change and executive development, and regularly coaches CEO’s, Strategic Directors and their associated teams. She joined the Regents faculty in 2009, where she teaches Christian Leadership to undergraduate students. Her interests lie in developing individual potential in understanding, articulating and practicing key elements of Godly leadership in a 21st Century context.

Adjunct Lecturer

Jill Garrett is Executive Director of Tentpeg Consulting, and regarded as an authority on leadership development. She has held senior managerial roles for over thirty years, as European Managing Director of the Gallup Organisation, as a Senior Account Manager, a Director of Leadership Development, and a Secondary School Head teacher. She designed and developed The Inspirational Leadership Tool in partnership with the Government’s Innovation Group, which has been widely used to help leaders optimise and apply their innate strengths. She is well known across a number of sectors in helping cultural change and executive development, and regularly coaches CEO’s, Strategic Directors and their associated teams. She joined the Regents faculty in 2009, where she teaches Christian Leadership to undergraduate students. Her interests lie in developing individual potential in understanding, articulating and practicing key elements of Godly leadership in a 21st Century context.

Marijke Hoek PhD, MA

Marijke is the former co-ordinator of Theology and The Forum for Change at The Evangelical Alliance. She has an MA in Applied Theology, and a PhD from Regents Theological College and The University of Manchester, focusing her research on suffering and weakness in Romans, with reference to the role of the Spirit. She works for a trust that helps develop new community projects, and is a regular contributor on BBC Manchester, where she gives the Thought for the Week. She is also a pastoral worker in a Manchester city church. She co-edited the books “Micah’s Challenge: The Church’s Responsibility for the Global Poor” and “Carnival Kingdom: Biblical Justice for Global Communities”; and co-authored “The Prophetic Church”, a resource for Christian Aid. She co-hosts the Theology of Migration Conference, drawing together experts in migration from various universities with asylum-seeker project leaders and refugees. As an adjunct lecturer at Regents, she teaches on biblical justice for the poor at Undergraduate and Master’s level.

Adjunct Lecturer

Marijke is the former co-ordinator of Theology and The Forum for Change at The Evangelical Alliance. She has an MA in Applied Theology, and a PhD from Regents Theological College and The University of Manchester, focusing her research on suffering and weakness in Romans, with reference to the role of the Spirit. She works for a trust that helps develop new community projects, and is a regular contributor on BBC Manchester, where she gives the Thought for the Week. She is also a pastoral worker in a Manchester city church. She co-edited the books “Micah’s Challenge: The Church’s Responsibility for the Global Poor” and “Carnival Kingdom: Biblical Justice for Global Communities”; and co-authored “The Prophetic Church”, a resource for Christian Aid. She co-hosts the Theology of Migration Conference, drawing together experts in migration from various universities with asylum-seeker project leaders and refugees. As an adjunct lecturer at Regents, she teaches on biblical justice for the poor at Undergraduate and Master’s level.