Which Church have you been attending and how long?..

We attended St Mary’s Reigate for 10 years before going to Nottingham to train for ministry. I was baptised and confirmed there. Hannah (7) and Andrew (3) were both baptised in St Mary’s as well.

Whilst in Nottingham we attended St Nicholas (St Nics) in the centre of the city which was also my placement church as part of my course at St Johns College.

When I first met Sarah she worshipped at The Ascension, Balham and her vicar was Andrew White. We were married there before I came to faith and experiencing Andrew’s gracious welcome was an important step in my journey. Sarah also went to St Saviours in Guildford as a teenager.

What do you appreciate about your church?

A warm welcome and a chance to worship and pray and sing and share fellowship with a faithful community. A concern for those outside the church as well as support for those within.

Jobs/position within church/parish/diocese?

I first met Steve and Simon on Reigate Deanery Synod on which I served for two years prior to moving to Nottingham to study. I was also on the St Mary’s PCC for 3 years. I preached a few times at St Marys and at the Heath church in Reigate.

As part of my placement at St Nics in Nottingham, as well as some leading and preaching I was able to make some small contribution to various working parties they have on small groups, a renovation/rebuild project, social care etc

Sarah has always been involved with church life including helping out with JIGSAW at St Mary’s and the Focus spouses group at college.

Occupation (current or past)?

I worked for 20 years teaching people to be accountants. For two companies, CIPFA and BPP, I was a tutor, examiner, manager and supervisor preparing students for their professional exams. I also had spells in the HR training division, post qualification training, MBA teaching in Hong Kong and Singapore and training civil servants in Uganda. I also spent a year in the West Midlands prior to getting married and settling in Redhill.

I trained as an accountant with the National Audit Office and Horsham District Council and worked post qualification with East Sussex County Council before going into training as a career.

Sarah is also a qualified accountant and has worked for the Audit Commission for the last 15 years.

Hobbies/interests/community involvement?

I like Golf (to play), guitar (to play badly), watching rugby (I am a Scotland supporter), reading history and trying to keep up with my children.

What started you on your journey to faith in Christ?

I began going to church when I met my wife, Sarah and she encouraged me onto an Alpha course at St Mary’s Reigate. I met James and Gail Ashton on my first course. Three courses later (a longer story I hope to share with you all later) I came to faith and was baptised and confirmed in 2002.

Have there been any 'significant’ people or events in your journey?

Too many to mention. It starts with Sarah, who I accompanied to church and has been a constant travelling companion.

I have met many faithful people in churches who are disciples and witness to the Kingdom and who are an inspiration.

I have also been inspired by each clergy person that I have met in churches – some visionaries, some prayerful lives, a passion for mission, some making everyone feel valued. I hope to learn from each as I find my way in ministry.

Mum and Dad are also part of who I am and I owe lots to them for that.

I think that I first seriously began to seek God in the aftermath of walking away unscathed from writing off my car at a roundabout just outside Birmingham. I began to think that someone must have been looking after me!

Do you have a motto or belief that inspires you?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbour as yourself” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matt 22: 37-40)

Looking up and looking out is what Jesus seems to be saying here and that is what I try to do

Are there any books/plays/films/songs/or scripture passages which have had an effect on your life?'

I first felt the presence of the Holy Spirit while singing a song in evening worship at St Mary’s the day after the Alpha away day, it was The Power of Love and it has always been special to me expressing as it does the feeling of God’s presence surrounding me!

I am challenged by some of the songs of Casting Crowns that sometimes highlight the potential failings of church life and discipleship as well as suggesting what it can be.

I was also moved by the book Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli that reminds me that we can easily look on the outside but that God looks on the heart.

I saw Casablanca for the first time in the cinema (no not the first time around – it was a remastered re-release) and thought it was a fabulous experience.

Favourite TV/radio programme?

Most things really including the Today programme, News Quiz and most programmes on Radio 4 (eg when driving). TV programmes include dramas (eg Casualty) and comedies and will often watch Question Time.

To get Sportscene from BBC Scotland to see my team, Dundee United, play each week of the football season would make me happy. Oh, and I will be a bit distracted during six nations rugby season....

I am also conversant with many CBBC and CBeebies programmes.

What everyday item couldn't you live without?

My kitchen, I love cooking but don’t use recipe books. The results can be interesting sometimes.

I don’t do puddings, only starters and main courses. Sarah however bakes and makes wonderful puddings so we complement each other.

What irritates you?

Unfairness and inflexibility. I am a pragmatist and generally quite laid back but find myself getting irritated in the face of unreasonable responses and unthinking intransigence.

I therefore have to always ask myself if I am being unfair and intransigent in my pragmatism...

What would you like to be remembered for?

Having faithfully done my best to be a part in ushering in the Kingdom here on earth without ever believing that it was me who did it but that it is God’s work.

Tasty stews...and a good sense of humour.

What are the current issues in Christian and general life that concern you?

Generations who do not know Christ and a church and society that needs to change to introduce them to this friend and saviour.

It seems that the perception of the church outside (eg through the media) doesn’t reflect the many good things that are going on and that we can work towards what unites and tell people about that instead!

St. Bartholomew’s Church, Horley, Surrey, England. See contacts page for details of now to get in touch with us. Part of the Horley Team Ministry, with St. Francis’ and St. Wilfrid’s.

Copyright © 2000-2011 St. Bartholomew’s Church             webmaster@stbartshorley.org