Paul Gardner and his wife, Sharon, came to ChristChurch in November 2005. Following a degree in Spanish from London University, Paul started a candle-making company with a partner in the early 1970’s. The intention was to be able to afford a theological education. In 1979 he received his Master of Divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS and later, his PhD. From Cambridge University, in Cambridge, U.K. He was ordained into the Anglican Church of England in 1980.
Background
Paul is British, and Sharon was born in California, leaving for England when she was just twenty. Paul’s ministry in England has included teaching New Testament and Homiletics for seven years at Oak Hill Theological College, a seminary in London, pastoring a church in the northwest of the country for over twelve years, and most recently, serving as the Archdeacon of Exeter. This is a position appointed by the Bishop to help oversee clergy, parishes, and churches in an area in southwest England Devon.
Preaching, Teaching and Writing
Along with his parish ministry, Dr. Gardner has been actively engaged in preaching and teaching both nationally and internationally. In England he served, for a number of years, as Chairman of the Church of England Evangelical Council. Most of his sermons and talks are now available on this web site in audio for streaming or downloading and, recently, in video formats. Some are also available at www.paulgardner.org. He has written a number of books, most of which have been aimed at helping Christians get deeper into the Bible.
Atlanta and Family
He and his wife Sharon arrived in Atlanta in November 2005. Sharon is a qualified school teacher. Their family is now grown. Jonathan is married to Charlotte and they live in London. They are the proud parents of Naomi, born June 28, 2006 and James, born December 28th 2009. David is married to Amanda and they live in South Carolina working for a conference center on St John’s Island. Hannah married Steven Simms in 2008 and is pursuing full time graduate studies in Counselling at Ridgemont University here in Atlanta and part time graduate studies in Spanish translation and interpretation at Georgia State. Paul and Sharon say they “love living in Atlanta”!