Richard Bewes , son of famous missionary parents, was born and raised on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya , along with his two brothers and sister - 'the most tranquil  upbringing a child could have had. ' Richard came to England for his secondary education, before going to Cambridge University (UK) as an undergraduate. He then went on to study for the ordained ministry at Ridley Hall Theological College , Cambridge
After leading two churches in the south-east of England with his wife Liz, Richard Bewes was appointed by the Crown as Rector of All Souls Church , Langham Place , following in the succession of John Stott and Michael Baughen. Over the years as leader of All Souls, the international nature of the congregation (embracing some 70 nationalities) continued to develop with some 2,500 coming through its doors every Sunday. During Richard's time, the facility to listen to sermons online was achieved, and a 'virtual weekly global internet congregation' stands as one of the many legacies of his time in post. He chaired the Church of England Evangelical Council throughout the 1990s. Stepping down from All Souls in November 2004, Richard was awarded the OBE by the Queen in the New Year of 2005.
A preacher, pastor, broadcaster, hymn-writer and Christian communicator, Richard Bewes ' speaking engagements have taken him into Europe , Asia , Australia , Africa , USA and Canada . He has written over twenty books, some of which have been translated into a number of languages. They include 'The Lamb Wins', 'Speaking in Public - Effectively', the best-seller title, 'The Top 100 Questions' and most recently 'Beginning the Christian Life' and '150 Pocket Thoughts', all from Christian Focus Publications . He comes from a family whose Gospel preaching tradition began with a mission sermon by D.L. Moody on September 26th, 1882 , when Richard's grandfather, then 14 years of age, made his commitment, and later became a preacher himself.
Richard is co-host of the on-screen Bible Study series on books of the Bible, Book by Book , with Dr Paul Blackham - thanks to the United Christian Broadcasters TV channel in Europe and also Shine TV in New Zealand, as well as in Australia. Guests on these programmes include Anne Graham Lotz, George Verwer, Don Carson and Joni Eareckson Tada. Richard has also co-hosted a series of on-screen programmes ( again with colleague, Dr Paul Blackham ) on Bible Topics, entitled The Bible Truth Treasury (British viewers - Open Home Open Bible ) - these have been broadcast on Faith TV c/o Sky Angel. They also reach thousands of home groups.
With Africa and Christian Mission in his background, Richard has for many years been UK Chairman of African Enterprise and is also on the British Board of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He was Chairman of Billy Graham's ' Mission '89' held in London , England . In 2004 he became the first international Board member of Gospel Communications International (GCI).
WHO'S WHO describes his interests as tennis, photography, and audio-visual production. Most sadly his wife Liz died in May 2006, following an illness. Two
sons, a daughter and
four grandchildren make up the family today. |
