This is the Blog of Tony Miles (Superintendent Minister and Team Leader of Methodist Central Hall, Westminster).
Tony is a Methodist Minister, broadcaster, and author. This blog is for anyone who may find it helpful.
Tony grew up in Epsom, Surrey (England), and became a Christian in 1979. He first worked as a money broker for a stockbroking firm in the City, London, whilst running a mobile discotheque semi-professionally in the evenings (“Catch 45 Mobile Disco”). His life then changed direction when he went to Cliff (Bible) College (1983/4), after which he worked as a Lay Pastoral Assistant at Epsom Methodist Church (1984/6).
He married Frances (1985) and they have 2 children (Hannah and Jonathan) and four grandchildren. Called to the ministry, Tony was trained at Wesley College, Bristol (1986/89). His first ministerial appointment consisted of 4 churches in the Colchester Circuit (1989/95); his second post was in the London (Forest) Circuit – 2 churches in Loughton (1995-2004). In 2004 he joined the ministerial team at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster (part-time) and in 2013 became the Deputy Superintendent and full-time at MCHW from 2014. He was later appointed as Superintendent Minister in 2020.
In 2004 he pioneered an ecumenical Media Chaplaincy – primarily to support commercial radio in London and Essex. The project ended formally when he became full-time at MCHW, but he continues to be involved as a broadcaster and continues to offer pastoral support as a Chaplain to those he has built relationships with who work in the Media.
For over 13 years Tony was the Saturday breakfast presenter on Premier Christian Radio, but from January 2011 he reduced his ‘on-air’ hours and now presents the Saturday Quiet Time from 6 am – 8 am. He became a regular contributor to the 5.45 am slot on BBC Radio’s Pause for Thought with Vanessa Feltz in 2010 to date (now with Owain Wyn Eavns) and has occasionally contributed to Pause for Thought on the Zoe Ball Show.
Tony has written three books: ‘Maybe Tomorrow’, ‘Maybe Today’ and ‘Like A Child’ (which he wrote with his wife Frances). For over 14 years, he contributed to the devotional Living Light (Nationwide Christian Trust), which was also broadcast on Premier Christian Radio.
Tony was a founding trustee (and former Chair) of the Church and Media Network (including the theMediaNet). He is a trustee of Methodist Central Hall, a Connexional trustee for the Central Hall Westminster building, and a non-Executive Director of Central Hall Westminster Ltd (Aka Central Hall Venues).
Tony is also a Rotarian and a member of the Langley Park Rotary Club. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and past president of the Loughton and Buckhurst Hill Rotary Club.
Tony lives in Shirley, Croydon and Tony has over 28 years of experience as a commercial radio presenter and many years of history with hospital radio. In 2017 he was declared an ‘International Honouree’ by the Spin Awards 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Tony is married to Frances and they have two adult children and two grandchildren. His interests include popular music, holidays, writing, walking, listening to birdsong, and Fulham FC.
7 Comments
Edith J McLaren
January 26, 2021 at 3:51 pmDear Tony
I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed and will continue to appreciate each of your 3 books.
Reading bits from them help me so much when I’m on my own and not able to sleep at night. Are you going to write any more?
God bless you and your family
Edith McLaren (96 years young)
Tony
February 9, 2021 at 1:24 amThank you, Edith!
Your feedback is greatly appreciated. I am so glad you have found my books to be helpful. I have every intention of writing some more, but my life is very full at the moment and I just haven’t had any designated writing time. Hopefully, there will be another to fill those hours when you can’t sleep.
Every blessing,
Tony
Geoffrey E Goodman
April 4, 2021 at 12:54 pmDear Tony,
Your sermon this morning from Westminster Central Hall was much appreciated as was the rest of the worship and all those who took part. What a wonderful way to celebrate on Easter Day the message of the Resurrection of Jesus. The ‘King is Alive’ came over loud and clear and something we should repeat every day to come.
Thank you also for every service Westminster Central Hall, mostly led by your good self, has presented on Sunday mornings through the pandemic. This includes thanks to Deacon Ali and Lansford who have ably assisted you. ‘Hymn and Hers’, global greetings, and one minute testimonies, were wonderful additions to worship.
God bless you.
Geoff
Tony
April 13, 2021 at 10:31 amThanks, Geoff – sorry for the delay in making my reply. I am glad you are finding the online services to be helpful.
Every blessing,
Tony
susan saunders
May 23, 2021 at 9:25 amDear Tony,
Bit of a ‘long shot’, I was listening to my local radio this morning, 22nd May 2021, it was their 8am Sunday service slot, sadly I only joined in about 8.10am, this was through a prayer being sang by a choir, voice only, it was absolutely beautiful & I would like to know if there are any recordings. I phoned my radio station & they said the half hour programme was produced by yourself & Chris Byland (I think).
Yours faithfully
Sue
susan saunders
May 24, 2021 at 10:50 amMorning Tony, I did send you a message yesterday, Sunday 23rd May, referring to a radio broadcast of a service at 8am BBC Hereford & Worcester. I was wondering about information on one of the choir performances. Please don’t worry about trying to find it, I’ve found the recording of the half hour service on ‘BBC sounds’ It was John Tavener’s setting for the King singer.
Thank you, all the best
Tony
May 24, 2021 at 7:58 pmThanks, Susan! Glad you enjoyed it. Bless you, Tony