Nicky Gumbel

Nicholas Glyn Paul "Nicky" Gumbel (born 28 April 1955) is an Anglican priest, and author. He is known as the developer of the Alpha Course, a basic introduction to Christianity supported by churches of many Christian traditions. Since 2005, he has been Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton in the Diocese of London, Church of England.

Nicky Gumbel was born on 28 April 1955. He is the son of Walter Gumbel, a German Jew from Stuttgart whose licence to practise law in that city was withdrawn in one of the early Nazi purges. Walter Gumbel emigrated to Britain and became a successful barrister. Gumbel's mother, Muriel, served on the Greater London Council for many years between 1967 and 1986 and was Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Gumbel was educated at Eton College. He studied law at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1976; as per tradition, his BA was later promoted to a Master of Arts (MA (Cantab)) degree.

After graduating from university, Gumbel followed in his father's footsteps and became a practising barrister. Meanwhile, he became a regular worshipper at Holy Trinity Brompton Church, Knightsbridge. In 1982, he announced his decision to leave the bar to train for ordination in the Church of England.

In 1983, Gumbel began theological studies and training for ordained ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He graduated with BA degree in 1986; as per tradition, his BA was later promoted to a Master of Arts (MA (Oxon)) degree. He was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1986. After some difficulty in finding a curacy, he joined the staff of his "home" church of Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) in the Diocese of London. He was ordained as a priest in 1987. In 1996, the Bishop of London appointed him Alpha Chaplain, though he remained at HTB as a curate.

In 2005, Gumbel was officially installed as Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton Church. The previous vicar, the Reverend Prebendary Sandy Millar, had retired from stipendiary ministry and became an assistant bishop in the Diocese of London.

In 2007, Gumbel was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Gloucestershire (whose chancellor is a former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey) as recognition of his broad contribution to the wider church via Alpha.

Alpha Course

In 1990, Gumbel took over the running of the Alpha Course that had been running there since 1977. The course was transformed under his leadership from being one designed for new Christians to one primarily for those outside the church who would not consider themselves as Christians.

Gumbel is the author of a number of books related to the Alpha Course, including Questions of Life which has sold over 1,000,000 copies. Voted "Christian Book of the Year" in 1994, it has been published in 48 languages. Other related books include Why Jesus, Searching Issues, Telling Others, A Life Worth Living, Challenging Lifestyle, Heart of Revival and 30 Days.

Gumbel is married to Pippa and they have three adult children.