Paul Scanlon

Paul Scanlon (born 1957), is the senior pastor of the Abundant Life Church, Bradford in the United Kingdom.

Scanlon broadcasts a weekly show, 'Voice to the Nations on the Christian radio station UCB Talk. The church also has a weekly programme on GOD TV that is also syndicated to international television stations.

History

Scanlon was born in Dewsbury, England, and was a carpet salesman in his earlier years. He is married to Glenda Scanlon, who also works for the church.

Paul and Glenda Scanlon lead the Abundant Life Church and are the founders of Abundant Life Ministries. They have been a part of the Abundant Life Church for thirty years and served on the pastoral staff for over twenty of these.

Since becoming the Senior Pastor, Paul has successfully led the church through a period of reinvention - which has become known as ‘Crossing Over’ - the fruit of which is seen in the thriving 3000 people strong Church that they are today. His leadership has also seen the launch of the Abundant Life Leadership Academy, the Abundant Life Network of churches.

The blend of practical wisdom and humour that characterises Paul’s preaching is also reflected in his writings which include ‘I Am Not My Father ’, ‘Crossing Over’, ‘ It’s Not Over 'Til The Barren Woman Sings’, ‘God’s Fingerprint’, ‘The Battle For The Loins’ and ‘Events vs Process ’.

Paul’s vision is to first reach those in his own community, build them into an awesome local church and then export the ‘sound’ of that house across the earth. This has resulted in the growth of a fast-paced, contemporary and culturally relevant church community. There are currently about 170 ministry initiatives working across the Church and wider ministry, a testimony to Paul’s empowering leadership style.

Each week services from the Abundant Life Church are broadcast to millions worldwide through their weekly TV broadcasts.

Criticism

Scanlon was criticised in 2003 over a promotional video for a mens conference they were holding at the church. The video was a mock up of the film The Matrix. In the video Scanlon was seen brandishing a gun which was seen as a "not very Christian thing to do" by some Christians including Derek Jackson, canon of Bradford cathedral. The Daily Mail ran an article on it as did the BBC.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu