My Story

I was born in North West England, in a recovering mill town called Wigan. It took me nine years to discover Christ, and another five to really fall in love with him, and I am still on the journey of getting to know him today.

Jesus is about redemption from brokenness and restoration to full potential with him. If I'm honest, especially as a child, I never thought I had much potential at all. All my life, anxiety and excessive self-criticism have been a part of my story, but through Christ, I have continually found worth, peace, and confidence. I am committed and connected to a God who redefines me as more than I could imagine. In many ways, I feel like James and John in Matthew 4:19, two fishermen called by a great Rabbi to be something more than anyone expected.

I remember my first real encounter with Jesus, I was only nine years old, and it was an encounter that changed me. This was undoubtedly a spiritual moment, but even at that young age, I remember it being a truly rational decision, a decision to be reunited with the God who wants to be in relationship with me. I remember the time, the moment, the clear and logical thought progression; I was created to be in relationship with God, and I wanted that relationship, and thanks to Christ it was possible for me to re-enter relationship with him. My life didn’t completely change immediately, not tremendously; this isn't one of those perfect stories. It’s been a long process of getting to know God. We’ve had our highs and our lows, both tremendous in their own ways; yet somehow, through it all, every ounce of reason and passion has led me to the God who knows me, loves me, and wants me to be more. Today, I can say categorically that I’m a believing, baptized, student follower of the greatest teacher, the most high God.

Though I was born and raised in England, by the age of twenty-one my desire to know more about God brought me to pursue a formal education in theology and ministry, starting at Trinity College Bristol and eventually moving to the USA to study at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. There I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies, another in Pastoral Ministry, and then a Master’s in Congregational Leadership. Throughout my education and after graduation I served in pastoral ministry, working for churches in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Washington State. In 2021 I was invited to serve Trinity Western University in British Columbia, Canada, as Campus Pastor for their innovative Richmond campus, until 2023 when I returned to the UK to support family and seek how God can use me in my home country.

When I consider my goals, I want to continue to serve God well, I want to maintain integrity and run the race in endurance, I want to be a voice for justice, progress, and spiritual reformation. Academically, I hope to pursue a doctorate, I would say I’m politely waiting for a funded opportunity, and hopeful that can be sooner rather than later. Having said that, living the purposed life of a follower of Christ isn’t simply academic, so everything will come in its own time. Being a disciple and helping to create disciples is a huge task. I find myself invested in a relationship with a very real God who is particularly invested in the lives of his followers. When I consider my life with God I cannot help but be overwhelmed by one astonishing fact: God is invested in me. It is because Christ gave his life as a willing sacrifice for the sins of the world, and rose from the dead as an evidence to that fact, that I am able (as are you) to have a relationship with the God who is thoroughly invested in his people. It is because of God’s investment, his love, his sacrifice, and his awesome glory that I am invested.

So, what do I do?

I’ve served in Christian ministry since 2009 when I worked for one of the largest youth ministries in the UK, over the years I’ve mainly served as a pastor, focusing on discipleship, including evangelism through relationships and rational dialogue, with a strong reliance on prayer and Biblical study. If I had to declare a specialty, I’d go with what I enjoy most, working with people, and helping them grow closer to Jesus. I have found myself to be a naturally caring pastor, an approachable speaker, an innovative problem solver and an impactful leader. No one is more surprised by these things than me.

I’ve worked for churches big and small, in the UK and North America, and I’ve even had the privilege of serving the largest Christian university in Canada as Campus Pastor of Trinity Western University, Richmond, BC.

I’m always happy to learn more, especially through conversation, or pass on what God has taught me. Don’t hesitate to reach out.