From Army Service to Ministry and Writing

John Bridges' life has followed an unusual path. Having been called into the Anglican clergy as a teenager it took a few decades to sell the church on the idea. Meanwhile he served in the British Army and later worked in international business, In 2005 he was ordained, serving as a Royal Navy Chaplain from 2008, ministering to service personnel and their families while helping people navigate some of life's deepest questions.

Growing up largely outside the church, John's own journey to faith convinced him thatChristianity is not simply about religion, but about discovering ones own relationship with Jesus and the hope Jesus offers.

More Than Twenty Years of Christian Ministry

For over two decades, John has been committed to helping people discover that there is more to life than many imagine. His ministry has often encountered those who describe themselves as “spiritual not religious”, and those who would wonder if there is “more to life than this”.  More to Life Media provides ways to discover that Jesus is the “more” in “more to life”.

Throughout his ministry, John has sought to communicate this timeless truth in ways that connect with the realities and questions of modern life.

Service in the Armed Forces

John's experiences in both the British Army and the Royal Navy have given him a unique perspective on leadership, sacrifice, community and resilience. His years as a Chaplain provided opportunities to walk alongside people from many backgrounds, supporting them through both everyday challenges and significant moments in life. Those experiences continue to influence both his teaching and his writing.

Why Write Historical Fiction?

John has long been fascinated by the people, politics and cultures of first-century Roman Empire. Many modern readers, although we are awash with stories set in Ancient Rome, often find that the real world of the ancient Rome holds many surprises. Understanding life in the world of those times can bring fresh depth and meaning to our modern world.

Through carefully researched fiction, John seeks to immerse readers in the sights, sounds and tensions of the Roman world while exploring the extraordinary impact of Jesus Christ upon those who encountered him and the revolutionary changes that his followers had and that made our world today so different.

His debut novel, Maximus and the Blood of Innocents, invites readers to experience the events surrounding Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem through the eyes of those whose saw him, met him and, especially those whose jobs were to deal with him.

About More To Life Media

More To Life Media exists to publish books, articles and resources that encourage people to explore faith, history and life's deeper questions. The name reflects John's conviction that people are right to ask if there is more to life than just the world that they can see. Being spiritual but not religious is an honourable place to start asking whether Jesus was a liar, a lunatic, or everything he said he was. Answering that question honestly will revolutionise one’s life, one way or another.

Through fiction, teaching and written resources, More to Life Media seeks to point readers towards hope, truth and the person of Jesus Christ.

Beyond Writing

When he is not writing, teaching or researching history, John enjoys photography (he’s a qualified portrait photographer), loves travelling, reads widely and would love to ride horses more and better. His passion for understanding the context of Scripture continues to shape both his ministry and his storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is John Bridges an Anglican minister?

Yes. John was ordained in the Church of England in 2005 and has served in ministry ever since.

Did John Bridges serve in the military?

Yes. John served in the British Army and later as a Chaplain in the Royal Navy

What type of books does John Bridges write?

John writes Christian historical fiction set in the world of first-century Judea and the Roman Empire. He also writes non-fiction articles, mainly on his Substack column

Is Maximus and the Blood of Innocents based on real history?

The novel is fictional, but it is set against real historical events and people, combining careful research with imaginative storytelling.