Men of Influence 2026
The Christian community is full of men making a difference in the Church, business, media and the wider world. Our annual Keep The Faith lists of Christians making a difference reflects this.
Have a read of the men featured in this year’s list. They highlight what’s possible and demonstrate the impact they are having in their fields of endeavour.
BERNARD P ACHAMPONG
Founder of Unedited, Chair of AudioUK
Bernard P Achampong is a man of influence in the audio creation space. He has served as a board member of Creative UK; is currently Chair of AudioUK; is a Fellow of the Radio Academy; and an eight-time Radio Academy Award winner. From 2018–2020, he was Programme Director at Premier Christian Radio. He advocates for creator ownership, intellectual property, diversity and representation in the creative industry. His production company, Unedited, produces ground-breaking programming, including Sounds of Black Britain (Spotify) and 1Xtra’s Throwback Party (BBC Sounds). Unedited has been nominated for production company of the year in 2022 and 2024 – winning silver and bronze, respectively. Bernard P Achampong, was the driving force behind the sold-out presentation of ‘7 Secrets of Immersive Storytelling’ at the London Podcast Show in 2022, and at the Birmingham Podcast Festival in 2023. Bernard’s personal career highlights include the documentary ‘HRH The Prince of Wales: Building Bridges’ and delivering Spotify’s Sound Up programme for the UK and Ireland for three years. In addition, his first children’s television programme, Skin Deep (CBBC), exploring the identity of boys between the ages of 7 and 11, is his magnum opus.
Visit www.weareunedited.com
DR JOE ALDRED
Retired Christian ecumenist author, writer, broadcaster
Over the years, Dr Joe Aldred has become a respected and valued voice in the Black Christian community and beyond. He was a former minister and bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy – a role he stepped down from earlier this year. His reasons for doing so were published in a much-read article in Keep The Faith. Organisations he has worked for include The Centre for Black and White Christian Partnership. He served as Principal Officer for Ethnic Minority Concerns at Churches Together in England (CTE) and was a presenter on BBC Radio WM. He has also served on numerous boards. He was Chairman on an NHS Primary Care Trust, and Chair of the Council of Black-Led Churches (also known as the Council of Black-Majority Churches). Dr Aldred has authored/edited several books, including Preaching With Power: Sermons by Black Preachers; Praying With Power; and Flourishing in Babylon: Black British Agency and Self-Determination. Dr Joe continues to be a respected and influential voice via his regular column at The Gleaner and his commentary on religious, social and political issues on social media. He has a PhD in Theology from Sheffield University.
Visit www.facebook.com/joe.aldred.92
SHANE BOWES
CEO, Pentecostal Community Bank
Shane Bowes is CEO of Britain’s first Black-owned bank, the Pentecostal Community Bank (PCB), which is built on the foundation laid by the late Revd Carmel Jones, Founder of the Pentecostal Credit Union. The PCB has played a key role in providing finance so churches can buy their own buildings, alongside providing business and personal loans. Churches that have secured buildings with PCB’s help include Ruach City Church, and most recently Triumphant Church International. During the past two years, Shane has overseen some exciting developments. On a personal level, he has won a number of awards, including an Excellence in Business award at the Legacy Gala. PCB recently launched its first-ever podcast, Faith and Finance, presented by former BBC Arts Correspondent Brenda Emmanus OBE, and they have started work on raising awareness of their financial services in Birmingham.
Visit www.pcbank.co.uk
DEZ BROWN
CEO and Founder, Spark2Life
Dez Brown is Founder and CEO of Spark2Life, an award-winning faith-based charity. With an annual income of £1.5 million, the organisation supports medium- to high-risk young people and adults aged 10–30 across London. Having experienced the criminal justice system firsthand, Dez was imprisoned at 17 for manslaughter. This was a turning point that led him to become a Christian and he was eventually ordained as a minister. Dez is author of Convicted or Condemned? – a 2006biography which will be re-released later this year with an additional new chapter. He is also a qualified person-centred therapist and specialist trainer, delivering trauma-awareness training to professionals. Alongside his leadership work, Dez sits on several boards, tackling disproportionality in the criminal justice systems, and continues to serve in prisons through chaplaincy ministry, regularly preaching on Sundays, He previously worked as a sessional prison chaplain and is also a trustee of Prison Fellowship and speaks and preaches at conferences and churches across the UK.
Visit www.spark2life.co.uk
BISHOP DR JOSEPH A DAWES
Diocesan Bishop of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ UK; Senior Pastor, Refuge Temple
Bishop Dr Joseph A Dawes is a respected Pentecostal church leader, who has worked in the church community for over 40 years. He was recently appointed as denominational leader of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith UK (COOLJC). He is also the COOLJC regional director of Global Missions. Bishop Dawes is currently the senior pastor of Refuge Temple, a well-known church, based in Streatham, south London. He has had an international preaching and prayer ministry for many years and has ministered in Jamaica, Trinidad, Dominican Republic, Germany and Austria, as well as throughout England and the USA. He has been a lecturer at the University of Christ, Nottingham UK and is Chairman of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc for the UK. Bishop Dawes is actively involved in his local community, and initiatives he has undertaken include an annual summer school, food banks and prison ministry. He is currently involved with Christians against Poverty, the London Project, and the In Kind Direct charity.
Visit https://cooljcglobal.org/united-kingdom-uk and www.refugetemple.life
BISHOP GEOFFREY FOLKES
Jurisdiction Bishop, Church of God in Christ UK
Bishop Geoffrey Folkes is now officially leader of Church of God in Christ UK (COGIC) – the first Black Pentecostal denomination to be founded by a member of the Windrush Generation in Britain. Bishop Folkes presides over a denomination that has 22 branches across the UK and is part of an international denomination that has 15,000 congregations worldwide. Prior to his new role, Bishop Folkes served COGIC as National Sunday School Superintendent, District Superintendent and Administrative Assistant to the Bishop. He is senior pastor of COGIC Tottenham. Outside of church, Bishop Folkes is active in the local community. He has extensive experience working with small- and medium-sized businesses. He is a board member of the Haringey Giving charity and currently serves as Vice Chair on the Board of the Pentecostal Community Bank. He is also a member of Haringey Multi Faith Forum, Churches Together Tottenham, and Pray Haringey.
Visit www.cogic.org.uk
KARL GEORGE MBE
Managing Director, The Governance Forum; Chair, Black Business Advisory Council, Lloyds Banking Group
For several decades, Karl George MBE has played a pivotal role in developing Black business in the UK and beyond. An accountant by training, he is a corporate governance specialist and Managing Director of The Governance Forum. He advises boards across the private, public and voluntary sectors, with experience in 11 countries across the UK, Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean. Amongst his many roles, Karl is a visiting professor at Birmingham City University; the architect of the TGF Governance Code; and of the RACE Equality Code, that has been adopted by more than 60 organisations. He’s also a leading voice on AI governance. He was recently appointed Chair of the Black Business Advisory Council at Lloyds Banking Group and has sat on many boards. Karl is the founder of the first international Chapter of 100 Black Men; President of the Black Business Collective; and a former REACH Role Model. A practising Christian, Karl is an elder at New Jerusalem Community Church and has supported many churches with governance and leadership counsel. He’s the author of several books, including the bestselling The Effective Board Member, and has received many awards over the years including an MBE in 2004.
Visit www.tgf.global
BISHOP CLAION GRANDISON
Administrative Bishop, New Testament Church of God
Bishop Claion Grandison nears the end of his first term in office as Administrative Bishop of the New Testament Church of God (NTCG) – one of the UK’s leading Black Pentecostal denominations – knowing he has been re-elected to serve a second term. During his first tenure as leader, he focused on fostering strategic partnerships, developing theologically sound leaders, and enhancing community focus and church growth. The church also underwent rebranding, which has given the organisation visibility and has resulted in increased attendance at Sunday services and national events across the board. During his second term, Bishop Grandison will focus on working with the trustees, the National Executive Committee, and the wider leadership to strengthen NTCG’s strategic direction, enhance discipleship and evangelism, and provide further training for its emerging leaders. The New Testament Church of God has 110 churches in England and Wales, with over 30,000 adherents.
Visit www.ntcg.org.uk
MAHARI HAY
Director of Innovation & Transformation Lloyds Bank, CEO/Founder CCC Awards
Mahari Hay is a distinguished finance sector leader, community advocate, and Christian, whose life and career are deeply rooted in his commitment to serving others. With nearly two decades of experience in financial services, Mahari has risen to senior leadership within Lloyds – one of the UK’s leading banking institutions – where he is recognised for his strategic impact and dedication to building inclusive, purpose-driven organisations. A proud Freeman of the City of London, Mahari’s professional journey reflects not only excellence in finance, but a calling to lead with humility, stewardship and accountability. Beyond his corporate achievements, Mahari is CEO and Founder of the Community, Corporate and Culture Awards (CCC Awards), a platform dedicated to celebrating unsung heroes and sheroes. Mahari is also committed to pouring into the next generation, encouraging them to pursue excellence while staying anchored in purpose and identity.
Visit www.maharihay.com
REVD PROFESSOR ERROL LAWSON
Church leader, author, Founder of Building The Future Awards
Revd Professor Errol Lawson is a pastor, author and entrepreneur whose work spans church leadership and the built environment sector. Revd Errol has carved out a name for himself in the wider community as Founder of the Building the Future Awards – a nationally recognised platform, celebrating excellence, diversity and emerging talent within the construction and built environment sector. The initiative has become a key voice in addressing the industry’s skills gap and championing young professionals across the UK. This year’s awards will take place on November 5. As Senior Pastor and Founder of Bridge Church Birmingham, he has spent over two decades building a vibrant church community. Passionate about raising leaders, Errol is committed to equipping individuals and the next generation to fulfil their God-given potential and to make a meaningful impact in society. He has written nine books and is a two-time Amazon bestseller. Errol holds an Honorary Professorship from University College Birmingham in recognition of his contribution to leadership, education and industry.
Visit www.errollawson.com
PASTOR STEVE K MPOFU
Founder, Rainbow Entertainment & Promotions Ltd
During the past few years, Pastor Steve K Mpofu has become one of the UK’s leading gospel promoters, as he pursues his goal to spread the gospel message through music and ministry. In 2014, he founded Rainbow Entertainment & Promotions Ltd (REP) and since then he has organised concerts and events featuring some of the world’s foremost gospel artists. Pastor CeCe Winans, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Bishop Benjamin Dube, Dr Tumi, Joe Mettle, Fred Hammond, Apostle Solly Mahlangu, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Dr Rebecca Malope, Pastor William McDowell, Israel Houghton, and The Clark Sisters are some of the artists who have appeared in a Rainbow Entertainment event. Aside from organising events, Rainbow Entertainment also offers consultation and support in hosting, advertising, and music promotion, and connects churches and organisations with special guests, including musicians, motivational speakers, preachers and comedians to create enriching experiences.
Visit www.rainbowentertainment.co.uk
BISHOP MARK NICHOLSON
Senior Pastor, Acts Christian Church; Founder/Convenor Christian Leaders Community (CLC)
Bishop Mark Nicholson is a minister making an impact in the church and wider society. He is Senior Pastor of Acts Christian Church, Croydon, and is an in-demand preacher in the UK and abroad. He has preached in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Germany, the USA, Australia, and DR Congo. Bishop Mark is founder/convenor of Christian Leaders Community (CLC), a coalition of faith leaders who work together to tackle Croydon’s most pressing social issues, like crime prevention and domestic abuse. He is also founder of MAN Ministries, which is committed to restoring ‘fallen pastors’ and providing leadership training and development. Bishop Mark is a local magistrate and mentors emerging leaders, helping them blend faith with enterprise. He also equips them with tools to succeed both spiritually and professionally. In 2025, he was featured in HRH King Charles III’s Birthday Honours list and awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for outstanding service to the community in Croydon.
Visit www.theclc.live and www.man-ministries.com
REVEREND NICHOLAS NUNAYON
Founder and CEO, Kingsgen Foundation
This award-winning minister is renowned for his work empowering young people to achieve academic success and developing their leadership skills. Kingsgen Foundation (KF) is a charitable organisation founded on Christian values to prepare young people from disadvantaged and African Caribbean backgrounds. It has helped pupils gain admission to top schools, such as Eton College and Harrow School, and prestigious universities in the UK and USA, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Columbia. KF also runs initiatives, like the Debating and Public Speaking Academy, a Coding Academy, and a Chess Academy, that help young people develop their cognitive skills. It also organises events, annual conferences, monthly prayer events, and workshops to help parents understand the UK education system and to equip them with the necessary skills and tools to support their children. Revd Nunayon has been recognised with multiple awards since 2015 for his impactful work. These include the Civic Recognition of Outstanding Achievement by the Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley. Kingsgen’s international project includes a supplementary school in Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria
Visit www.kingsgen.org/
REVD DR CALEB NYANNI
Principal, Waverley Abbey College
In March 2026, Revd Dr Caleb Nyanni made history when he became the first Black man to be appointed Principal of Waverley Abbey College, one of the largest providers of counselling and chaplaincy education for Christians in the UK. Their vision is to have a Waverley Abbey College‑trained counsellor in every UK church, and a Waverley Abbey College-trained chaplain in every secondary school. Prior to joining Waverley, Dr Caleb served as Academic Dean of Birmingham Christian College, leading programme development and increasing student enrolment by more than 125% over eight years. He has also mentored leaders across Europe, Africa and Asia. Dr Nyanni is a member of the inaugural Catholic-Pentecostal Dialogue in England and Wales, and is the first non-white Chair of the European Pentecostal Theological Association (EPTA). An Elim-ordained pastor, he has more than two decades of experience leading local churches. His research interests include pneumatology, diaspora studies, apologetics, and generational studies.
Visit www.waverleyabbeycollege.ac.uk
JACKSON OGUNYEMI (aka ACTION JACKSON)
Director, FixUp; Pastor, Light Kent
Jackson Ogunyemi – widely known as “Action Jackson” – is a renowned motivational speaker. Via his company FixUp, Jackson works in the education sector and, along with his team of speakers, delivers powerful talks in schools across the UK, which have helped young people develop a strong sense of identity, purpose and vision. His goal is to create a world where young people “wake up happy and go to bed fulfilled”. An accomplished author, Jackson has written three books: Shut Up and Take Action: The No-Nonsense Guide to Success and Happiness; Happy School 365: A Guide to Motivating Students, and Happiness First: 14 Habits Draining Your Joy, which he is set to release later this year. Beyond the stage, Jackson is a father of two, a marathon runner, and a TED Talk speaker. He also serves as pastor of Light Kent – a satellite branch of Light Vision under Light London, based in Dartford. Alongside his wife, he has been pastoring for the past 18 months, although his pastoral influence spans over two decades due to regularly preaching in churches.
Follow him on Instagram @ActionJacksonLive
MUYIWA OLAREWAJU OBE
Station director; Presenter, Turning Point; worship leader
The impact of Muyiwa Olarewaju’s work stretches across music, radio and TV broadcasting. He has played a major role in bringing ‘African’ gospel to the fore, here in the UK, and has scored several firsts. Alongside his group Riversongz, Muyiwa was the first UK gospel artist to be featured on BET’s Celebration of Gospel; the first UK gospel act to take part in The Experience, the largest gospel music event in the world; and the first UK gospel artist to get an OBE. He is the station director of Premier Gospel, the UK’s leading gospel station and organiser of one of the UK’s premier events, recognising UK Gospel. He is also presenter of TV show Turning Point, which reaches an international audience of approximately 70 million. Muyiwa was recently the focus of a BBC Songs of Praise programme and he is currently working on a movie project with CBN. He will be releasing new music throughout the year.
Visit www.premiergospel.org.uk and www.muyiwa.co.uk
BISHOP MIKE ROYAL
General Secretary, Churches Together in England (CTE)
Bishop Mike Royal is a leading figure in the Christian community, due to his role as General Secretary of Churches Together in England – an ecumenical body that promotes Christian unity. Bishop Royal’s CTE role enables him to have a front row seat at some of the UK’s most pivotal developments. He played in a key role in the installation service of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally. Prior to his appointment, Bishop Royal was Co-Chief Executive of The Cinnamon Network, a charity helping churches with community engagement and social action projects. He is also a part-time Forensic Mental Health Chaplain with Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust. Mike has an academic background in urban planning and in Black theology. He has been in ordained ministry since 1993 and was consecrated a Pentecostal Bishop in 2016.
Visit www.cte.org.uk
