A good question ... here's what some people think:

"Iain Provan presented thoughtful and relevant material that connected with both regular churchgoers and with those who came simply because they were interested in the topic.  In a culture where many might think that being a Christian means checking your brains at the door, Iain offers that refreshing reminder that the Christian faith can be an intelligent faith."

"Over the years I have been exposed to many individuals who are understandable to the average Christian but can lack substance. By the same token, the Christian world is filled with those who have academic depth but are not able to present their material so that lay people can absorb it. Iain Provan, in my view, is a welcome exception to both trends. He shows an unusual ability to be accessible without sacrificing substance, to communicate with depth in a way that speaks to everyone, and to move between the world of the church, parachurch and academy with ease."  

"Anyone who has been to University remembers a brilliant professor who was a superb researcher and writer, but put people to sleep in the classroom. Iain Provan is NOT that person. Yes he is a brilliant researcher and academic theologian. Yes, he is a wonderful writer. And YES  he is also an outstanding communicator to non-academic regular church-goers. At our faith community Iain is a regular speaker. His annual foray into our pulpit includes difficult topics such as "What The Most Beautiful Of Songs Has To Teach Us About Sexuality"; "Ethics For Today’s Christian"; "Worship In The Early Church And Today"; "Hell, Who Gets To Go?" and "Is the Old Testament Relevant for Today?"  In each of these series, Iain has effectively and passionately communicated God’s Word to our community. We have greatly appreciated the thoughtful and generous wisdom Iain has brought to us, and we are looking forward to many return visits."

Mike Nichols, Co-Pastor, Capilano Christian Community (North Vancouver, BC)

Iain Provan has taught eight 3-week series at CapChurch on the most controversial of subjects, including: "Jesus, Cavemen and Dinosaurs" (the meaning of myth and science in Genesis); "Hell: Who Gets to Go!" (heaven, hell and the hereafter); "Sex for Teens and Those That Think They Are."   He has done so with scholarship, humour and friendship.  I commend Iain's important teaching work to your seminary, church, conference (or wherever there might be a stream of biting trout).