Ernest Kevan

‘We need to live our lives, as Ernest Kevan lived his life, in the presence of God and in anticipation of the coming of Christ. Then by God’s grace we shall grow in strong biblical convictions…and in the gentle courtesy of Christ as we defend and proclaim our convictions.’ JOHN R.W. STOTT

‘Of whom the world was not worthy’ (Heb. 11:38) is also an apt description of Ernest Kevan, who as pastor, theologian and leader had a profound impact on post-War evangelicalism. I am therefore grateful for this extraordinarily detailed and careful biography that preserves these accomplishments for the church’s memory.’ DAVID F. WELLS

What makes an effective leader? Ernest Kevan certainly fitted into that category, but he did not have the charismatic personality that is so often associated with success in this sphere. What he did have was the ability to influence. His enthusiasm for Puritan and Reformed theology moulded the thinking of many young pastors beginning work in British churches in the post-war years. In many ways he was a pioneer, and in some ways an anomaly – that a Baptist pastor who entered the ministry with no formal training should become the first principal of a new and innovative Bible college is testimony to his intellectual skill and generous attitude to evangelicals of all denominations. First as a pastor, and then as Principal of London Bible College, he steadfastly devoted himself to the work that God had called him to do. This biography serves as a worthy memorial to a man who, though now largely forgotten, contributed enormously to the life and thought of English-speaking Evangelicalism in the mid-twentieth century.