In memory of Frank Entwistle, 1937-2022

We were saddened to hear that Revd Frank Entwistle went to be with the Lord on 4th September 2022. He had been Publishing Director of IVP from 1976 to 2002. He led IVP in publishing many of its most significant and impactful books, and is fondly remembered by the staff and authors who worked with him. Photo: St Peter’s, Fremington, Bickington and Yelland

Serving the Lord through the ministry of publishing

With thanks to Beryl Entwistle for details of Frank’s life and ministry.

Frank Entwistle was born in Lancashire in February 1937. He became a Christian aged 14 when a schoolfriend invited him to a Christian youth event. He soon began to think of ordination, and in 1955 he secured a place at St. John’s College in Durham University to read theology. After graduating he remained in Durham to prepare for ordination at Cranmer Hall. While studying he met Beryl, who he married in 1963. He was ordained in 1961 to a curacy at St. John’s, Harborne, in Birmingham.

St. John’s church had a strong focus on world mission, and in 1965 Frank moved on to join the home staff of what is now Crosslinks. His work involved a lot of travel around the country to preach and teach, and a memorable visit of some weeks to East Africa. He also found himself editing and publishing the Society’s magazine and books.

To his surprise, in 1973 he was invited to join the editorial staff of Inter-Varsity Press with a view to becoming its Publishing Director as successor to Ronald Inchley. This was not an easy decision for an ordained man, but he was persuaded that to provide first-class resources for the church, not only in the UK but worldwide, was indeed a ministry well worth doing. He remained with IVP for nearly thirty years, first in London and then in Leicester. He held a bishop’s licence throughout this time, and preached whenever he had opportunity.

His work with IVP took him annually to the Frankfurt International Book Fair in Germany, and this gave him an interest in the German language which continued to the end of his life. In later years he visited Christian publishers in the USA many times, to secure some of the best evangelical books by American authors for publication by IVP in the UK. He regarded it as an enormous privilege to publish books by such authors as John Stott, Alec Motyer and J. I. Packer. He often said that the book he was most pleased to publish was Stott’s The Cross of Christ.

In 2002 he and Beryl retired to North Devon, living in the parish of St. Peter’s, Fremington. He travelled to provide support and training to small Christian publishers being set up in central and eastern Europe. He also served as one of the John Stott Literary Executors. Back in Fremington, he was able to preach and minister in other ways fairly regularly, until increasing disability made this no longer possible.

Giving thanks for a life well lived in the Lord’s service

Caleb Woodbridge, the current Publishing Director of IVP, said: “In my role, I’m very conscious of standing on the shoulders of giants, and Frank Entwistle, as one of my predecessors in my role, is one of them. I’m grateful for his service to God and to the church through his time at IVP. The present IVP team is praying for his family and friends as they mourn his passing.”

Dr Philip Duce, former Senior Commissioning Editor for IVP, said: “I joined IVP in September 1999 as Theological Books Editor, and benefited greatly from Frank's wise leadership and patient guidance during his final 2.5 years as Chief Executive until his retirement in February 2002. My 22 years' service were rooted in the historic legacy and values of IVP mediated primarily through Frank. On my departure, he commented that we were privileged to serve during some of the best years of IVP, with a large number of titles published for the Christian community worldwide. I am confident in the gospel that Frank has gone to his reward in God's presence.”

Pieter Kwant, of the John Stott Literary Executors and Langham Partnership, said, “It is sad to hear the news of Frank’s death. We have worked together for many years, first in IVP and then in the John Stott Literary Executors. His editorial and contractual skills were always on view and his book evaluations more often than not, spot on. He was always a keen observer and contributor in any meeting, especially regarding all matters relating to John Stott. I have appreciated his insights and all the more as we worked together more closely in the John Stott Executors meetings.”

Chris Green, vicar of St James, Muswell Hill, and author of IVP books The Gift, The Message of the Church and Cutting to the Heart, said, “That is sad news for us; Frank was a delightful man who will be rejoicing in the presence of his Saviour.”

Andy Shudall, now a pastor in Auckland, New Zealand, and formerly UCCF Relay Worker (1993-94), Staff Worker (1994-2000) and Relay Coordinator (2000-05) was in the Leicester office for Frank’s final years in his role, said: “Frank was a man of vision and hope - his love of the good news of Jesus was plain for all to see; he was especially passionate about having books that would serve the vision to reach and equip students in the mission of building maturity in those who loved Christ and reaching those who didn’t.”

Frank is survived by his wife, Beryl, and his children John and Ruth. The funeral took place on Monday 26^th September at St. Peter's Church, Fremington, Barnstaple.

Donations in Frank's memory will be divided between Crosslinks (formerly BCMS) and UCCF, and can be sent to W.S.Gayton & Sons Ltd., Pickett Meadow, Old School Lane, Fremington, Devon. EX31 3UP. For electronic bank transfers, please download the PDF donation instructions for details.