Responding to the humanitarian disaster caused by the first illegal Russian invasion and occupation of Ukraine in 2014, Joshua was one of the co-founders of DHM and served as Chair of Trustees from 2016 to 2022.
Joshua is an experienced leader, creative teacher, accomplished author and strategic thinker. He has a track record of leading teams and helping people to flourish and achieve their potential and a proven ability to lead groups and chair committees in the pursuit of specific and focused objectives.
His extensive public engagement and active research activities have brought him into close contact with an extensive network of leaders and professionals across a range of sectors, including Higher Education, government, church, Christian charities and the media. Through his international experience and multi-lingual competence, he has developed skills in dealing with a wide range of people in cross-cultural settings with proficiency, tact and good humour.
Brought up in Wooler in north Northumberland, Joshua now lives with his family in Germany, where he works as Professor of Mission Studies and Intercultural Theology at the Theologische Hochschule Elstal. Alongside his academic responsibilities, Joshua is also an ordained minister within the German Baptist Union (BEFG).
A graduate of Oxford University (BA and MA) and Trinity College Dublin (PhD), Joshua is author of several books and articles, including a book he co-wrote (with Mykhailo Cherenkov) on Christianity in the former USSR, entitled, A Future and a Hope. Joshua’s most recent book, Theology After Christendom, was translated into Ukrainian in 2020. He was awarded a Fellowship in the UK Higher Education Academy and was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in recognition of his contributions to academic historical studies.
In his free time, he enjoys reading and cycling, but his absolute favourite pastime is spending time with his young son. For Joshua there are few words that bring more joy than the excited invitation: “Come on, Daddy, let’s play!”
Joshua is a regular preacher and is glad to receive invitations to preach and/or to speak about the plight of churches in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. He is available to preach in English, Russian or German.
Email: joshua[at]dniprohopemission.org
