MEET THE TEAM

Me and my wife Leah moved to Teesside in 2010 after training for ordination at Spurgeon's College in London. We love Teesside and feel strongly called by Jesus to this area and the people here. We are passionate about seeing people come to know Jesus and working towards His Kingdom growing. We have four super loud kids and love leading the best Church in the world.

Stephen is also the facilitator of Transforming Teesside Together and has a massive heart for church unity.

Having lived in the UK for over 10 years now, I try and say I'm a local, but the Michigan accent gives it away! I moved here in 2013 after making a deal with God that I'd trust Him with one year of my life, dipping my toe in missions and youth work, but He had bigger plans. I fell in love with Teesside and knew my time seeing young people's lives changed by Jesus wasn't over. Since then I've become part of so many life-changing projects such as Tees Valley Youth for Christ, Refresh Youth Service, and Doulos. I'm a Marvel nerd, parmo fanatic, and love public speaking. My passion is seeing churches and people work together to see God's Kingdom break through in Teesside. 

Teessider through and through! I grew up in Stockton and started following Jesus aged 16. Had a brief spell away studying at Moorlands Bible College but always knew I’d be back serving the church on Teesside. I’ve ministered in a few different capacities on Teesside and currently serve as Assistant Director of Tees Valley Youth for Christ, alongside my role at The Beacon. My wife, Jess, is the Youth Pastor at Stockton Baptist Church. And our son, Freddie, is EVERYWHERE! When we’re not knocking around Teesside you’ll find us up on the mountains at every opportunity – no such thing as bad weather! My heart is to see our community encounter, and be transformed by, the love, power and truth of our amazing Jesus.

Hi! I'm Sarah and I am married to John and I have 2 children; Vikki and Benjamin and a step-daughter and a grandson. From Hertfordshire originally but I moved up here 32 years ago when John and I got married and I love it here. l lead our toddler group (Little Angels), manage the Foodbank centre at Grove Hill and lead our Senior's Friendship Group. I play the flute and guitar and help out leading the worship in church, which I love as it is so awesome the way God speaks and guides us so that the worship and the message fit perfectly together when you have no idea what the sermon is going to be about!  God is SO exciting and I love following Him into new adventures!

God first called me from Michigan to the UK in 2014 to serve for one year with Tees Valley Youth for Christ. Little did I know, He had more than one year in mind. Now, just over nine years later, I'm so grateful to be serving with the Church in Teesside as the youth Leader at The Beacon Baptist Church. Over the years, I've had the privilege to do youth work across Teesside with Youth for Christ. I've also been a bookseller and worked in the charity sector. I'm passionate about seeing young people discover who Jesus is in their own lives and help them flourish in their relationship with God. I also love coffee, books, plants and my husband Aaron (not necessarily in that order).