John E. Marshall: Life and Writings

History reveals that a change took place in the Christian church in the middle of the 20th century. Long decades of liberalism and Arminian evangelicalism gave way to a recovery of biblical truth.

The outstanding figure in this recovery was Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. During his long ministry God was at work in the lives of several young men, bringing them to faith in Christ and to an understanding of the doctrines of grace. The vision they developed for reformation and revival forged them into a kind of ‘Puritan brotherhood’.

Among them was John Marshall, the story of whose life reflects these changes. He was brought up in the days when liberal theology prevailed in the mainstream denominations and colleges. Soundly converted during his student days at Oxford, he immediately entered into the conflict that comes with standing for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Led gradually to a deeper understanding of and love for the Reformed Faith, he devoted his life to the recovery of truth and godliness in church and nation.

The biography covers the early influences that shaped John’s future ministry, his struggles in the pastorate, his open-air preaching, his emergence as a leader in the work of the Banner of Truth Trust, his wider conference ministry, and his uncompromising stand for the truth. New light is shed on his pioneering work in bringing encouragement and sound teaching to Christians in Eastern Europe and Russia.

The writings give an indication of the breadth of his interests, his grasp of Reformed theology, and his pastoral concerns.

About the Author

John Evans Marshall was born in November 1932 at the family home in Chingford, on the outskirts of London. He was educated at Bancrofts School in Woodford, and was called up for National Service at the age of eighteen, serving for two years in the Royal Artillery, part of the time in Germany. He then read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Balliol, Oxford, where he distinguished himself in rowing.

He made a definite commitment to Christ on hearing Billy Graham in Oxford in May 1954, and after graduation in 1955 he responded to a call to the ministry by continuing studies at Mansfield College, Oxford, the theological school of the Congregational denomination to which he belonged. In 1958, after receiving his BA and MA, Marshall was called to Alexandra Road Congregational Church in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, a call twice renewed (in 1958 and 1961). He served this congregation faithfully for 45 years until his death from liver cancer in August 2003.

John Marshall and Susan Westcott were married in Westminster Chapel by Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones in September 1961, having met on a mission in Plymouth during their student days at Oxford. The Lord blessed them with four children. John’s wider ministry included the Trust’s Leicester Ministers’ Conference, where he first preached in 1976, and service as a Trustee from 1982. He travelled widely on behalf of the Trust, and had a particular interest in Eastern Europe.