This site has been set up as a space for Sean to share a compilation of material that he has produced since his autobiography, 'God's Biker: Motorcycles and Misfits' was first published by SPCK in 2018.
It contains articles, radio programmes and videos that might include specific bible reflections, anecdotes from the road in association with his role in God's Squad CMC, or from Zac's Place in Swansea.
Some of the posts will have been previously published elsewhere, but as time goes on, new material will be added.
Sean Stillman - Biography
Sean grew up in Reading, Berkshire, the son of a preacher, never thinking he would follow a similar path to that of his father, who pioneered ministry in British prisons from the late 60s.
After a short career in civil engineering and ambitions to pursue music, he eventually felt drawn to minister to the margins of society. The Baptist church he was part of recognised this call and vocation and commissioned him into mission. His book, 'God's Biker', tells the story of what has followed.
Many years later, he is the founder and minister of Zac’s Place, “A Church for Ragamuffins” in Swansea, which is marked by its long term commitment to serving the poor, since it began in a Swansea bar in 1998.
Sean is currently (2019-) International President of God’s Squad Christian Motorcycle Club (est 1971, Australia), which he has been a member of since 1995, having been the founding President of the the first chapter outside Australia. He has ridden close to half a million miles on motorcycles and has remained committed to serving the motorcycle club community in a chaplaincy capacity.
In 2014, he founded a social enterprise, charity shop called Rough Edges - profits continue to support Zac’s Place’s work among the city’s poor and marginalised.
His autobiography, ‘God’s Biker: Motorcycles and Misfits’, with a foreword from Rowan Williams, was published by SPCK in 2018 and was shortlisted for ‘Best Biography’ in the 2019 CRT Awards.
He has been, and continues to be, a regular contributor on BBC Radio Wales as both a broadcaster and writer on Thought for the Week, Celebration & All Things Considered.
He has travelled widely and ministered in many contexts throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. He remains an irritant to a comfortable church, committed to serving the poor in his community, is an advocate for the arts, a biker, and continues to be inspired by the Sermon on the Mount.
In 2020 Sean completed his MA in Applied Theology with Moorlands College, (University of Gloucester), awarded with a distinction. His dissertation, 'Zac's Place: Examining a Fresh Expression of Church for Signs of a Renewal Movement', is available to download via the Churches Together in England Mission Research Library, (search under the Fresh Expressions catagory) or go direct to the PDF file here.
In 2021 Sean was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological condition, Parkinsons, and is currently adjusting to the challenges that this presents. His 2024 BBC Radio Wales documentary, 'Parkinson's and Me' was described as 'searingly honest' and received a hugely positive response from both the faith, and Parkinson's community.
Whilst he is now not engaged in as much public speaking, and pastoral work due the limitations of his Parkinson's, he continues to write, record and be involved in strategic planning of all that he's involved in. Various recordings will be shared on this site.
He is still based in Swansea, and is married to Jayne, and they have four adult children.
All aspects of his ministry have and continue to be supported by Exousia Trust, A Registered Charity in GB 1002581, since 1991.