We are a group of ordinary people who belong to an extraordinary family.
This local church is one small part of the church of God, made up of everyone who is united to the Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit through faith in him.
As a local part of that universal church, we gather together to help one another – as individuals and as a church – to grow in our Christian faith and to share this with other people. When we meet together we learn more about God and Jesus through the Bible; pray together for people, our Church, our local community and the world; provide care and friendship to one another; and reach out to people who don’t yet know Jesus.
Church members
Anyone is welcome to be part of our Sunday gatherings, but if you’re a Christian who wants to make this your spiritual home we’d encourage you to become a member. Membership isn’t for some super-spiritual subset of Christians, but arises naturally out of our understanding of the church. Members commit to love and serve a particular church, and the church commits to love and care for each member. If you’d be interested in making Grove Hill your home, please do speak to one of the Elders.
Elders
The leader of our church family is the Lord Jesus Christ himself, who leads us by sending his Spirit to give us insight into his Word, that we might grow to know God better, love him more, and grow to be more like him in obedience to his Word.
The Lord Jesus as the Chief Shepherd also gives us leaders, or under-shepherds, known as the elders. They give spiritual and pastoral oversight to our church, through their teaching, godly counsel and example. Elders who are set apart full-time for this work are referred to as pastors.
Peter Parson
Elder
Peter is married to Ruth and has one daughter, two sons, five grandsons and one granddaughter. He was born and grew up in Northern Ireland, before moving to England in the 1970s. He is a Chartered Surveyor and enjoys running and cooking.
Deacons
Our deacons are called to serve the church in many practical ways. They work behind the scenes in administration, looking after the building, and alongside the elders serving as charity trustees.
Tim Crispin
Deacon
Andrew Emohare
Deacon and Searchers Leader
Derek Fieldhouse
Deacon
Lynda Holmes
Deacon
Peter Last
Deacon and Revolution Leader
Other Leaders
Our church meets regularly to pray, study the Bible together, and care for each other in smaller groups. These are led by the elders and the following people.
Peter and Julie Sharp
Phil and Melinda Hayden
Safeguarding Team
Our church is open to all, and so we want to make sure we keep everyone safe, from the oldest to the youngest. Our safeguarding team help us do that, and is made up of the following people.
Rachel Emohare
Safeguarding Lead
Julie Sharp
Lead Recruiter
