Stephen Gaukroger
Over his 40 years in Christian leadership, Stephen has had opportunities to preach, teach and consult in more than 50 different countries.
His ministry began in a local church context, after gaining a degree in business and then a theological degree and pastoral diploma from Spurgeon’s College. For 14 years he oversaw remarkable church growth as Senior Pastor of Stopsley Baptist Church, Luton, before spending 12 years as Senior Minister of Gold Hill Baptist Church in Buckinghamshire – one of the largest Baptist churches in England.
During his years as a local church leader Stephen was also President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (1994-1995), which enabled him to engage with leaders of other denominations as well as those in the political and business arenas. This role opened up a number of strategic opportunities that grew Stephen’s passion for preaching and teaching internationally and laid the groundwork for the ministry of Clarion.
Alongside this ministry, Stephen is also hugely involved in a wide variety of Christian initiatives, both in the UK and internationally. He is a Vice-President of the Bible Society and holds positions on a number of Councils of Reference, both as a member and as Chair, including Jews for Jesus and The Rooftop International Ministries. He’s also Patron of Viva - an international organisation that works with vulnerable children round the world.
A prolific author, Stephen has written more than 20 books, edited a variety of Bible study series and small group resources and authored numerous articles and blogs. His first book, It Makes Sense, an accessible, humorous and compelling intro to Christian faith, has been translated into several different languages and sold more than 100,000 copies. He has written and recorded 7 DVDs entitled 'God's Amazing Book' for Community Bible Study International. These have been translated into over 40 languages and distributed around the world! His latest video series is 8 talks called The Post-Covid Church.
Stephen is also a keen Man Utd supporter, loves tennis and is an avid reader of political biographies. He enjoys spending time with his family – his wife Janet, their three adult children and their five grandchildren.