About
I’m Dave Tomlinson. I’m married to Pat, and we have three grown up children, three grandchildren – and a gorgeous blonde dog called Woody. I’m a writer, a speaker, a passionate seeker after truth and wisdom, and an avid explorer of theology, spirituality and life in general. And I’m the vicar of St Luke’s church in Holloway, north London.
Whenever we get the chance, Pat and I love nothing more than spending time at our remote, ramshackle cottage in Yorkshire, which has no electricity and is situated about a mile from the nearest road. After daytime walks around the valley with the dog and a meal at a local pub, we generally end up sitting by a roaring log fire, sipping glasses of port and watching DVDs on my laptop (recharged each day in the car).
For many years, I was a leading figure in the House Church movement, travelling extensively around the UK and abroad, preaching and teaching. I also led a team of fifteen people that planted and gave regular input to some fifty churches. There were many things about that part of my life that I enjoyed, but in many ways I was a round peg in a square hole where the spirituality and theology of the charismatic house churches were concerned. So we departed that world in 1989, not knowing where we were going or what exactly we were looking for – but being sure that we had to try to find it.
Surrounded by disillusioned Christians and church misfits, in 1990, Pat and I set up Holy Joes, a group that met in a south London pub that provided a forum for people who find regular church unappealing. Alongside doing that, I studied for a Masters Degree in Biblical Interpretation, and wrote The Post-Evangelical.
After several conversations with the Bishop of London, I decided to pursue ordination in the Church of England – a rather bizarre-looking step, but the best move I ever made.
Now, I am the vicar of St Luke’s, a glorious mishmash community of north London urbanites, sharing friendship, and groping after God. It’s the best job in the world!
If you’d like to get in contact email me.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Dave
I was so pleased to come across your website through Google as I was ‘surfing’ to try to make contact with people interested in the Enneagram. I see that I have just missed you the last of your Enneagram workshops but hope to go to the Moot meeting this Wednesday.
My search for through the enneagram link is an effort to spread the word about a pioneer in the development of the enneagram, Dr Claudio Naranjo, who will make his first and perhaps only (he is becoming more frail with age) visit to the UK this December. Reading of your life and thinking I felt you might be interested to read about him .
The website is http://www.naranjoinstitute.org.uk where there are details of his talk and workshop. Please contact me if you would like to know more or to receive a flier by email.
I was sorry to read on the page of St Lukes that you have been ill and send goood wishes.
Ann Clarke
Hey Ann,
Thanks for telling me about Claudio’s visit. What an opportunity. I will definitely be there with some friends. And actually, due to my illness, I rescheduled the Enneagram workshops at Moot, so I still have one to run. We are still trying to finalise the date, but it will be in January or February. We will also be holding an Enneagram workshop with panels at St Luke’s early in the new year. Would you like me to add your name to the email address about such events?
I’m recovering nicely at present. Just about to begin cardio rehabilitation, and slowly getting involved with church services again.
Nice to hear from you, and thanks again for the news about Claudio’s visit. Maybe meet you there?
Dave