Principal, The Apostolic Church Theology School,
Director of Training, Apostolic Church UK
Jonathan Black is principal of The Apostolic Church Theology School and director of training for the Apostolic Church UK. He holds a PhD in Systematic and Historical Theology from the University of Chester, an MTh from Continental Theological Seminary/University of Wales, and an MA in Theology from the University of Cambridge.
He has taught theology at Continental Theological Seminary in Belgium and Regents Theological College in the United Kingdom and has been involved in pastoral ministry in the United Kingdom and Europe. An ordained minister in the Apostolic Church, he is engaged in theological education and ministry training.
Dr Jonathan is an award-winning Pentecostal theologian. His book 40 Questions About Pentecostalism (2024) received the 2025 ECPA Christian Book Award. His other major works include Apostolic Theology, Theosis of the Body of Christ, and The Lord’s Supper.
Having been involved in various ecumenical dialogues over the past three decades, I have gained some important insights. Much progress has been made, yet the question remains: How can we, despite our diverse histories and identities, live and function as the Church together? Secularising tendencies in our societies that bring about new challenges, especially in the large urban centres. For the sake of a credible Christian witness, we need to be able to address common concerns together. There are fundamental spiritual desires that are not met in a secular context. The Christian churches have the opportunity to respond to these human yearnings, to a void that is felt, and present the Good News of Jesus Christ in relevant ways. Furthermore, as we live in increasingly pluralistic societies, we witness a growing polarisation of attitudes. This is evident in one-sided nationalist agendas and a discourse rooted in fear. The ecumenical work done so far can serve as a bridge for a common Christian witness “so that the world may believe.”