Who am I?

I’m Timothy Gough, a theologian, youth worker, and writer passionate about rethinking the way we engage with faith, fear, and formation. With two decades of experience in pioneering mission and youth ministry, and as a PhD Candidate in Biblical Studies, my work explores the intersection of theology, history, and practical engagement.

I specialise in the concept of ‘Godly fear’, examining how ancient perspectives on fear—across biblical texts, classical philosophy, and Homeric epics—can reshape our modern understanding of courage, wisdom, and faith. My research challenges the simplistic ways we often approach fear today, advocating instead for a more nuanced and constructive engagement with it.

As an adjunct lecturer, tutor, and conference speaker, I teach on Christian missiology, theology, preaching, hermeneutics, and youth ministry. My published works span academic research, missiology, and youth work, with contributions to IVP, Brill, Sage, and Grove. My previous blog won multiple national and international awards.

I also run Youth for Christ in Llandudno, where I’m passionate about creating spaces for young people to explore faith in an open, engaging, and authentic way. Alongside this, I lead Redefine, an online-offline youth Bible study that encourages honest, unfiltered conversations about big questions.

Beyond my work in theology and ministry, I’m also an amateur artist, guitarist, and photographer, with a love for creative expression in all its forms. I write nonsense stories, poetry, and Warhammer fan fiction—because why not?

When I’m not deep in research or running youth programs, you’ll find me supporting Manchester United, exploring the mountains on a hike, or indulging in a good fantasy novel… or Calvin and Hobbs comic!

I’m married to Katie, an amazing (and way smarter!) writer, poet and Muti-media artist from California.

Research Interests: Divine Violence; Fear; Gender; The Arts; New Testament (Book of Acts, John’s Gospel, 1 Corinthians, Philippians); Exegetical Methodology (inc. Linguistics, Rhetoric, and Metaphor; Category Construction); Pioneering Missiology; Youth Work Model Theory; Classical Epistemology

Member of the IASYM, BNTS