User:FrJohnTwisleton
John Twisleton
John Fiennes Twisleton (born 1948) is a British Anglican priest, author, poet, and broadcaster. He is known for his contributions to Christian formation and spiritual accompaniment, theology and apologetics, evangelism and mission, local history and the production of London and Sussex scenic walk guides.
A former scientist who researched into polymer dynamics Fr John welcomed a call to the priesthood in 1973. Serving as parish priest, missionary to Guyana, theological college principal, and diocesan mission adviser, Twisleton has authored numerous books, broadcasts regularly on Premier Christian Radio, works with Mid Sussex history groups and churches for the common good and has published many poems reflecting on his life experience.
Early life and education
John Twisleton was born in Yorkshire 1948 and attended Giggleswick School. He studied Chemistry at St John’s College, Oxford, graduating with a first-class degree in 1970, and went on to complete a doctorate in polymer science. In 1973, he began training for the Anglican priesthood at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield and Leeds University.
Ministry and career
Following ordination, Fr Twisleton served in parish ministry in Doncaster, Coventry, London and Sussex, and spent time as a missionary priest in Guyana, principal of a theological college for indigenous priests, where he has been made a Canon of the Diocese of Guyana. He has worked as a diocesan mission adviser in London and Chichester dioceses. Since 2001, he has lived in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, serving as a priest, broadcaster, spiritual director and servant and promoter of local history studies in Mid Sussex and Brighton.
Writing
Twisleton is the author of numerous books serving Christian formation and spiritual accompaniment, local history and the production of London and Sussex scenic walk guides. His publications include:
Christian formation and spiritual accompaniment
Using the Jesus Prayer - steps to a simpler Christian life Bible Reading Fellowship 2014 ISBN 978-0857463418 73 pages Experiencing Christ’s Love - establishing a life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection Bible Reading Fellowship 2017 ISBN 978-0857465320 96 pages
Theology and apologetics
Empowering Priesthood - a celebration of the ministerial priesthood representing Christ to help form his Body Church Union 2002 ISBN 978-0851910444 48 pages Pointers to Heaven Amazon 2020 ISBN 979-8638091811 103 pages Elucidations - light on Christian Controversies Amazon 2021 ISBN 979-8718788198 135 pages
Evangelism and mission
Meet Jesus - a call to adventure Bible Reading Fellowship 2011 ISBN 978-1841018959 176 pages Guyana Venture - a Church of England mission Amazon 2022 ISBN 979-8419307384 97 pages Becoming a Christian Amazon 2023 ISBN 979-8352007860 81 pages Finding God Amazon 2025 ISBN 979-8311273503 72 pages
Local history
Moorends and its Church Individually published 1985 Holbrooks History Individually published 1996 A History of St Giles Church, Horsted Keynes St Giles Church 2014 Celebrating Haywards Heath: Heart of Sussex Amazon 2024 ISBN 979-8322378303 111 pages
Walking guides
Forty Walks from Ally Pally - a practical handbook for seeking space in north London Individually published 2000 ISBN 978-1903290002 62 pages Fifty Walks from Haywards Heath - a handbook for seeking space in Mid Sussex Amazon 2020 ISBN 979-8647040107 114 pages Thirty Walks from Brighton Station - catching sights and sea air Amazon 2022 ISBN 979-8816786676 175 pages Celebrating Haywards Heath: Heart of Sussex - with South Downs & London rail trails Amazon 2024 ISBN 979-8322378303 111 pages
Poems
https://twisleton.co.uk/poems/
Broadcasting
Canon Twisleton contributes regularly to Premier Christian Radio. Recent series include:
To be a pilgrim - a spiritual journey with John Twisleton 2020 https://twisleton.co.uk/broadcasts/ Finding Joy in the Lord - a 5 part series for Easter Season 2023 https://twisleton.co.uk/broadcasts/ Scattering sin’s darkness - A four part devotional series 2023 https://twisleton.co.uk/broadcasts/ Big Questions - A 5 part series answering objections to Christian Faith 2023 https://twisleton.co.uk/broadcasts/ The Power of the Cross - A four part devotional series 2024 https://twisleton.co.uk/broadcasts/ Prayer Ways, a five-part series exploring different Christian traditions of prayer 2024 https://twisleton.co.uk/broadcasts/ Lord I Believe: Defending the Nicene Creed, a 12-part series commemorating the 1700th anniversary of the Creed 2025 https://twisleton.co.uk/broadcasts/
Online presence
John Twisleton maintains a personal website at twisleton.co.uk, where he publishes sermons, blog reflections, and links to audio series. He is active on various social media platforms and maintains multiple blogs linked from his main site. Twisleton’s recent books are on Kindle and two - Becoming a Christian and Finding God - are available as hour long audio books read by the author.
Personal life
John Twisleton is married to Anne Twisleton. They have three children and two grandchildren. Anne and John have published a joint autobiography touching on living with Alzheimer’s disease, Anne’s experience and John’s as her carer: John & Anne Twisleton Journeying Together - a joint autobiography Amazon 2023 ISBN 979-8860972223 171 pages
External links
John Twisleton’s website https://twisleton.co.uk/ Amazon author page https://www.amazon.co.uk/John-Twisleton/e/B008N1XH7G Premier Christian Radio: https://www.premier.plus/lord-i-believe/audio-series/lord-i-believe