Rev. Paul Allen (MDiv, 1996)
Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Impact Award, 2021
Whether on or off the ice, Paul Allen (BTh 1977; MDiv 1996) has helped people of all ages discover the good news of Jesus Christ.
While serving as a youth pastor in Toronto, Paul studied for his Bachelor of Theology part time at Tyndale. After seven years as a youth pastor, he taught in a seminary in Angola for three years during a time it was experiencing a civil war. He then became senior pastor of a church in Toronto, while pursuing his MDiv in pastoral care.
“Tyndale’s faculty and courses included excellent reading requirements, helped us explore the trinity of the Bible, and encouraged a listening spirit and a sensitive heart,” says Paul. “Interaction with the Tyndale community was an ‘as iron sharpens iron’ experience.”
Following 19 years serving with two different churches in Toronto, Paul accepted a position as Ontario team leader of Hockey Ministries International (HMI), introducing the gospel to isolated, elite and influential junior and pro players. During his tenure, the HMI chapel presence grew from two to over 50 in the province, serving the NHL, AHL, OHL, OUA, and OHA.
“As we experienced dramatic growth in the number of chapels, it was very important that we joined in what our Father was already doing, and we trusted that the Holy Spirit was at work in the heart of these athletes,” says Paul. “When you find yourself in the hall between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Visiting team’s dressing room and it is just you, the credentialed press, players, team coaches and management, you truly realize you have absolutely nothing to offer – “My ’07 Camry doesn’t impress a player who makes 100 grand a week or my Swiss Chalet coupons don’t cut it with guys whose team has its own gourmet chef.”
“But then there are the profound moments when you know that the power and the presence of Jesus has gone before you. He opens a heart, and a conversation is begun; a player quietly seeks me out.”
“I am reminded that in fact, we have everything to offer this spiritually needy culture in Jesus. Players and hockey personnel do say yes to Jesus.”
Paul stepped down as team leader in July 2021 but remains active in ministry. He continues to preach on Sundays; volunteers as a mentor to HMI chaplains, staff and preachers; and regularly meets with business and church leaders to help them grow as followers of Christ. Paul has been married to his wife Ann for 45 years. They enjoy outdoor activities, travelling and spending time with their children and grandchildren.