Every holiday includes at least one inspiring worship and encouraging Bible teaching session each day. There could be breakfast devotions, campfire services, reflective times, seminars or question and answer sessions, depending on the varied and creative programme.

Some holidays, like Equipped, have more than this, for an experience to stretch your mind and heart. Other breaks keep the study content short and light: ideal if you need a rest from anything too academic, but still want to focus on God in the space and beautiful surroundings.

Bible teachers

Andrew Ollerton

More about Andrew

Andrew is a theologian, pastor and popular communicator who makes complex ideas simple and relevant. He works with Bible Society and developed The Bible Course. Andrew is married to Charlotte and they have three kids, two fish, a snake and a dog.

Andrew’s website

Sample talk by Andrew

Andrew Tissingh

More about Andrew

My name is Andrew, I was born in The Netherlands, with a Dutch mum and a Kiwi father, but spent all my formative years in southern Spain and northern Africa where my family served 
as missionaries. I have been married for 16 years, and have two teenage sons. I love rugby, Star Wars Lego, anything with melted cheese on it and travelling. 

I have had the privilege of travelling extensively, trying many different jobs and discovering what life in all its fulness looks like. In the midst of my last 40 years of adventures, this quote 
rings true: “To fall in love with God is the greatest romance. To seek Him the greatest adventure. To find Him the single greatest achievement.” St Augustine 

Everywhere I have travelled, every job I have done, has always been an opportunity to meet with God in a new and deeper way. It has shown me the importance of seeing people how God does and to be willing to be used by Him no matter the circumstances I am in. 

Life is hard, there are many challenges, and sometimes joy and hope are very fragile. Confusion about what life in all its fulness looks like leaves many feeling alone. I believe the Bible has solutions, I love finding the heart behind Bible passages and making that accessible to young people in a way that brings change.

Chris Short

More about Chris

Chris Short is a Baptist Minister and he has been a teacher on our Family Weeks in the past few years. Chris brings a depth of personal application to his teaching that always brings encouragement and challenge.

Chris’s website

Cristi Murgu

More about Cristi

Cristi is the Lead Pastor of Carnforth Free Methodist Church and a regular teacher at Capernwray Bible School. He is passionate about communication and community, longing to see the local church become a hub of radical discipleship. He loves good coffee, reading books, watching indie movies and listening to music.

Cristi’s website

Debbi Fralick

More about Debbi

Debbi is a Bible Teacher and Content Editor for Our Daily Bread Ministries. She loves opening up God’s Word to help people explore what it really means to be a Christian in today’s world. Debbi is also a freelance artist.

Debbi’s website

Sample talk by Debbi

Derek Burnside

More about Derek

Derek Burnside is the Principal of Capernwray Bible School. He’s married to Penny, is a member of St Cuthbert’s Church in Over Kellet, and when not working enjoys cycling, swimming, squash, tennis, reading, film and theatre.

Sample talk by Derek

Dougie Simpson

More about Dougie

Dougie works at Deeside Christian Fellowship Church where he has responsibility for children, youth and student work. He is married to Susan and they have 3 children. When not serving the church, Dougie can be found being a climbing frame for his family, on the football pitch, or on the golf course; and boy does he like food!

Dougie’s website

Hester Martin

More about Hester

Hester first walked through the old front door of the Hall as a 10-year-old. Capernwray holidays have been significant for her walk with the Lord, both as a guest and volunteer. Hester’s role focuses on the pastoral care of the female students, whilst also being involved in many aspects of student life and regularly teaching in the Bible school. Hester can often be found enjoying a long run or on a netball court.

Iain Clements

More about Iain

Ian trained at Oak Hill Theological College in London, and then worked for a couple of churches in London before heading up north to Beverley where he lives with Rachel, his wife.

Iain’s website

Jemma Wraight

More about Jemma

Jemma is the Outreach Coordinator at Capernwray Bible School. She is married to Matt and they live with their son at Capernwray.

John Allan

More about John

John has been teaching at Capernwray for many years and brings a great wealth of experience and knowledge to his lectures.

Kim Lee

More about Kim

Kim came to Capernwray as a student in 1993/94 during which time God planted the desire to be involved with the ministry in her heart. In 2000 He opened the doors for that to happen and it has been a privilege for her to be a part of His work here, watching God meeting with people through the teaching of His Word, fellowshipping with others, and enjoying the beauty of His creation. She enjoys being outside, pottering in her little garden, reading, and spending time with friends in tea shops.

Mark Fyfe

More about Mark

Mark is the Lead Pastor of Kirkintilloch Baptist Church in Glasgow-shire. He particularly loves engaging with young adults and through communicating the truth of God’s Word seeing them grow in love for Jesus. He is married to Sarah and they have two sons, Jonah and Elijah. In his free time, Mark’s happy place is spending time with the family, and escaping to the outdoors to walk, paddle board or ski.

Matty Wraight

More about Matty

Matty is responsible for taking care of the pastoral needs of the students, in particular the male students. He was previously a careers coach for a company called Positive Footprints and planted a church in Burnley called New Hope which was part of a wider charity called Burnley Pioneer Project.

Rob Whittaker

More about Rob

Rob has been at Capernwray for many years and previously served as our Principal. He is an internationally renowned speaker, bringing a wealth of experience to his role. Rob has some amazing teaching series, a particular highlight being Getting the King out of the Boy.

Sample talk by Rob

Ros Clarke

More about Ros

Ros is a Bible teacher, speaker, writer and crafter. She is Associate Director of the Church Society and leads the Priscilla Programme, an online training course for women run with Union School of Theology. Her most recently published book is ‘Human’. Her other passions are crafting (see on Instagram or YouTube) and her dog Charlie.

Seidel Abel Boanerges

More about Seidel

Seidel is a Lecturer in Theology at Spurgeon’s College, London. He teaches in the areas of Christian mission, evangelism, apologetics, world religions, preaching and ministerial training.

Seidel’s website

Sample talk by Seidel

Simon Guillebaud

More about Simon

Simon Guillebaud, MBE, spent two decades living in war-torn Central Africa, and speaks out of that context with raw urgency and passion for the last, the lost and the least. He’s the Founder of Great Lakes Outreach, host of the popular ‘Inspired’ podcast, author of the award-winning book Choose Life, and travels widely stirring up the Church for radical discipleship. His wife Lizzie and he live in Bath with their three teenage children.

Some of our Bible teachers and speakers have national or international teaching ministries. All have a passion for communicating the gospel and spreading the love of Jesus Christ.

You can purchase audio recordings of our Bible teaching sessions here. We have an extensive catalogue that features many past and present Bible teachers including Derek Burnside, Rob Whittaker and Sue Gilmore

We aim to tailor our teaching to suit those who come, covering a variety of topics and Bible books. We deal with practical issues that are relevant to life in today’s world, and hope to help you live as a productive and effective Christian, whatever your age or circumstances.

The speakers and topics vary; see each holiday’s detail page for more.

What if I’m not a Christian?

You’re most welcome! 

We do expect all our guests to attend the meetings during their holiday. You don’t have to believe everything you hear — we just ask you to come with an open mind.

If you have questions about our faith, we’ll be very happy to discuss them with you during your stay, or you can ask us by email…

Contact us

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