Steve Chalke (MBE, UN.GIFT Special Advisor on Community Action against Human Trafficking) is a prominent, and often outspoken, Christian leader and social activist based in the UK, and an ordained Baptist minister. He is best known as the founder of Oasis Trust, Faithworks, Stop the Traffik and Church.co.uk. He is the author of numerous books and articles as well as a regular presenter and contributor on television and radio programmes. In 2004 he was awarded an MBE for his services to social inclusion by the Queen.

Steve was ordained as a Baptist Minister in 1981, having studied at Spurgeon’s Theological College in London, and was a local minister of Tonbridge Baptist Church in Kent for four years before setting up the Oasis Trust. More recently Steve founded Church.co.uk, a developing network of community churches around the UK which began with the formation of Church.co.uk in Waterloo, central London in 2003 and now includes Church.co.uk Salford, Enfield and Bristol.

Chalke is the author of more than 40 books. He also writes monthly columns for Prima Baby on fatherhood and for Christianity magazine on Church leadership. His latest book “Apprentice” – Walking the Way of Christ was published by Zondervan in April 2009. Steve has hosted his own television series’ for ITV and BBC as well as presenting a regular show on BBC Radio 4. He is a regular commentator and contributor to television and radio programmes.

In 2005 Steve became the official holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest amount of sponsorship money ever raised by an individual through a single event. He broke this record by raising £1.25 million for Oasis’ work with schools in disadvantaged communities, through running the London Marathon. His record was beaten at the following year’s marathon by Sir Steve Redgrave, who officially raised over £1.785 million.

However in April 2007 Chalke recaptured his title, as well as becoming the fastest money-generating sports person in history, by raising over £1.855 million in 3 hours 58 minutes 40 seconds.