Alexander Douglas MA MMus FRSA
Since September 2007 Alexander has divided his time between professional music performance, other professional activities within the UK cultural sector, academic theology and other ministry activities. During Easter 2009 he received an unmistakeable call to full-time ministry, which necessitated a radical re-think of his professional priorities. He has now re-cast his vocational direction towards theological and pastoral work; but music does in fact remain a serious part of his output. However, music-making is no longer an end in and of itself - it is part of his wider portfolio of ministry activities (more information can be found here).
He jokingly describes himself as a 'humanities thinker who happens to be a musician' - with personal and professional interests ranging from anthropology, psychology, sociology, cultural studies, post-colonial theory, critical theory, linguistics, philosophy and more. However, he has found a real home in philosophical theology and in the practical dimensions that it has in two areas: a) liturgy (as concept and practice); b) apologetics ministry. He regards himself as more naturally skilled 'teacher' than a 'preacher' but since 2009 he has found that the desire to exhort through preaching is getting stronger all the time - and in the pulpit he has no-one to rely on but God Almighty - which is, of course, exactly how it should be.
All of these activities are driven by a very serious and personal Christian faith, and while he does not wish to impose his faith in negative and inappropriate ways, it can certainly be taken for granted that nothing is more important to him, and that it informs everything that he does. Alexander has a fervent belief in the importance of servant leadership, and welcomes opportunities to work in specific Christian faith environments, be they professional, educational, or church-based. He understands the importance of the gospel commission, and is very keen to share in faith in any and every environment in which he is called to serve.
As a practising Seventh-Day Adventist, Alexander is unavailable for any form of secular activity during the Sabbath hours from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. He will enagage in theological and music (and other!) ministry-based activities during the Sabbath, including not necessarily with Seventh-Day Adventists – but all such possibilities would require careful discussion in advance so that all parties understand the terms of any prospective agreement clearly and unambiguously. He welcomes any opportunity to discuss the meaning and significance of the Sabbath and respects the right of others to hold different views.