Blackburn Centre Lead Tutor, Lead Tutor for Placements and College Safeguarding Officer
BSc (Hons) Mathematics, University of Cardiff
BA (Hons) Theology and Ministry, University of Durham
MA Theology and Minsitry, University of Durham
PGDip in Practical Theology, University of Cumbria
Studying DProf in Practical Theology, University of Chester
AFHEA
Matt was previously the Director of Training in Blackburn Diocese. Prior to this, he led an Anglican-Baptist Local Ecumenical Partnership in Accrington. He is Lead Tutor for the Blackburn Centre and for Placements in Emmanuel and he oversees the teaching on preaching across the college. He is an author on preaching, a contributor to the Canterbury Preacher’s Companion, the Reviews Editor of The Preacher Magazine, and a regular guest tutor for the College of Preachers. Matt is due to submit his completed thesis for doctorate in homiletics in the coming months. His research is in practical theology, looking at how our preaching reveals what we believe about Jesus. Matt is married to Naomi, a Clinical Psychologist, and they have two children in primary school..
Matt also enjoys hymnwriting and is a member of the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Areas of expertise
- Practical Theology
- Homiletics
- Hymnody
Publications
Books
- Liz Shercliff and Matt Allen, (2021) The Present Preacher, Norwich: Canterbury Press.
Hymns
- “We Shall Not Forget” and “A New Day Dawns” in (2018), Singing the Faith Plus.
- “Wonder of Wonders” in (2011), Singing the Faith. Norwich: Canterbury Press.
Sermons
- Williams, C. (Ed) (2024). Canterbury Preacher’s Companion 2025. Canterbury Press.
- Williams, C. (Ed) (2025). Canterbury Preacher’s Companion 2026. Canterbury Press. (Published in May 2025)
Reviews and Articles
- Multiple from 2023 in The Preacher Magazine by Hymns Ancient & Modern
