Passionate about bringing theology into action, I explore where we find 'Christ in the margins'. With years of hands-on ministry and a PhD in Systematic Theology, I blend rigorous thought with practical community organising to inspire and effect faithful action.

Hi, I’m John Clifton, a Salvation Army Officer currently serving in the North East of England. Before this, I had 4 years in Blackpool, a seaside resort in the North West of England, and before that, 10 years serving in Ilford, East London. Growing up with parents who were also Salvation Army Officers, I had the opportunity to live in many interesting places around the world. In each of these places, I witnessed how Jesus Christ is always to be found ‘in the margins.’ That’s inspired my Christian vocation, and also the title of my Substack.

I hold a PhD in Systematic Theology. My academic background informs my reflections and writing, grounding them in rigorous theological research.

My Mission

My mission is to draw attention to and reflect on lived experiences of the Christian life, particularly where I encounter ‘Christ in the margins.’ I aim to inspire and take action grounded in these reflections. Through my writing, I aim to harvest real-life experiences as theological resources, opening up new possibilities for Christian theologies focused on practice and meaningful engagement.

I am passionate about The Salvation Army and the wider Church playing a confident role in public life. I love using the tools of broad-based community organising to address issues affecting people's lives, bringing these concerns into public life. I’m blessed to have been able to do this at local, regional, and national levels. I am committed to effecting change, strengthening civil society institutions, and developing leaders who can drive positive transformation.

I write from a Salvationist perspective—a distinctively modern and global Christian movement. My goal is to develop a theological space for this unique path of Christian witness and life, offering insights that are both faithful and practical.

What You Can Expect

If you’re interested in a Christian perspective on taking faithful action in the world, I hope you will find my reflections useful and inspiring. My writing delves into real-life situations where Christ’s presence is most profoundly felt among those on the margins of society, whether that’s with people experiencing homelessness, addiction or fleeing persecution.

Additionally, I may occasionally explore tangents that pique my interest, providing a broader context to the core themes of compassionate action and theological reflection.

Join me on this journey as we seek to understand and embody the Christian faith in ways that are both transformative and deeply rooted in real-life experiences.

Stay up-to-date

You won’t have to worry about missing anything. Every new post goes directly to your inbox. To find out more about the company that provides the tech for this newsletter, visit Substack.com.