Derek John Tidball is a British theologian, sociologist of religion, and Baptist minister. From 1995 to 2007 he was the principal of London Bible College which later took the name London School of Theology.

Education

A graduate in sociology (University of Durham) and theology (University of London), Tidball was awarded a PhD (Keele University, 1981) for a dissertation entitled "Evangelical Nonconformist Home Missions, 1796-1901".

Career

Tidball has served as minister of Northchurch Baptist Church in Berkhamsted and part-time tutor at the London Bible College (1972–77); Director of Studies of the London Bible College (1978–85); Senior Minister of Mutley Baptist Church, Plymouth (1985–91); Secretary for Evangelism and Mission of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (1991-1995); Principal of London School of Theology (the renamed London Bible College) (1995-2007) and as Visiting Scholar at Spurgeon's College, London. He is, however, no longer listed among BUGB Accredited Ministers. Tidball has chaired, at various times, British Youth for Christ, the Shaftesbury Project, the British Church Growth Association and the Council of the Evangelical Alliance. He was President of the Baptist Union (1990–91) and is a vice-president of the Evangelical Alliance.

Family

Tidball is married to the Reverend Dianne Tidball, Regional Minister for the East Midlands Baptist Association, England. They have one son.

Publications