Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in Gloucester with my wife Kate and our 4school-age children. We moved here for me to serve as Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, Gloucester. I did so for 12 years until June 2022. Since then, we have been glad to stay on there as members.

I grew up in a Christian family but came to personal faith in Jesus in my mid-teens. Acts 16:30-31 was significant in my conversion: ‘[The Philippian jailer] asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” [Paul and Silas] replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…”’

Where does your interest in mission come from?

As I have studied and preached the Bible, I have increasingly seen that God’s plan to save the world includes people of all nations. He cares about them all, so it is right for me to do so too!

Why did you want to apply for this role?

I feel this role fits well with my gifts and previous experience. And I feel one with EMF in its core values and approach – like our unashamed commitment to the reformed evangelical faith, our aim of benefiting both those who support church partnerships and those supported by those partnerships, our commitment to the centrality of the local church in God’s work, and our investment in gospel work for the long term.

What do you hope to see happen in the coming months and years of your involvement, God-willing, with EMF?

I want to serve God by serving his people. In this role I will do that by encouraging church partnerships to be formed and to grow into mutually beneficial relationships. I am really excited about helping missionaries and UK churches alike to experience the benefits of partnerships: prayer, care, fellowship, encouragement, and learning, as well as finance.  

You have 4 children, so probably not a lot of spare time, but do you have any hobbies?

The main thing I am into is sport – most of all football. My playing days are pretty much over, but I watch our kids play for their teams, and watch on TV (especially Arsenal, whom I support!) I also referee some youth matches for local clubs.

Is there a Bible passage that has had a major influence on your life, or a song that is special?

As a preacher of God’s Word, Isaiah 55:11 has often encouraged me (my wife has been known to recite it to me when I’ve felt I have done a terrible sermon!): ‘So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.’

I also love to sing in church (my kids sometimes tell me off for doing so too loudly!) At the moment, my favourite song is ‘Day after day Jesus reigns’ by CityAlight – I love the line which encourages us to say about every day: ‘I can face it with this hope: Jesus won’t forget his own.’

‍