Nicky Gumbel

Nicholas Glyn Paul Gumbel is an English Anglican priest and author in the evangelical and charismatic traditions. He is known as the developer of the Alpha Course, a basic introduction to Christianity supported by churches of many Christian traditions. He was vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton in the Diocese of London (Church of England) from 2005 to 2022.

Early life and education Nicky Gumbel was born on 28 April 1955 in London, England. He is the son of Walter Gumbel, a German secular Jew from Stuttgart whose licence to practise law in that city was withdrawn in one of the early Nazi purges.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, was also a barrister and nominal Christian.

Gumbel was educated at Hill House School, an independent day preparatory school in Knightsbridge in London, followed by Eton College, an independent boys' boarding school near Windsor in Berkshire. He studied law at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1976; in accordance with the university's tradition, his BA degree was later promoted to a Master of Arts (MA) degree.

Life and career After graduating from university, Gumbel followed in his father's footsteps and became a practising barrister. In January 1978, Gumbel married at the church and he would go on to have three children with his wife Pippa.

In 1982, Gumbel announced his decision to leave the bar to train for ordination in the Church of England. In 1983 he began theological studies and training for ordained ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.

Ordained ministry Gumbel was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1986. In 2005, Gumbel was officially installed as vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton Church.

Alpha Course In 1990, Gumbel took over the leadership of the Alpha Course, which had been running there since 1977.

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.