Staff and Leadership
Staff Team
GRAHAM ALBANS
I’m Graham, I’m married to Jo and we have two young children. Having worked as a producer at the BBC for a decade, I recently decided to change career and become a pastor… I’m responsible for the church’s outreach activities like the Explore and Identity courses and our work in the community.
JULIE ANDERSON
Hi, I’m Julie and I work as a Women's Support Worker for Grace. I am married to Mark and we have five grown up children. Together with Louise, I run The Net support group from Project 229 for vulnerable and isolated women. It is a great to be a support and encouragement to women in our community.
CHRIS ATKINSON
Hi, I’m Chris. My wife Helen and I have been attending Grace for around 20 years. We have three grown up lads, all married, living in Kempston, and members of Grace Community Church, which is a real blessing. It’s my privilege to look after Operations and lots of the various Teams that we run at Grace. Teams are a huge part of our church family doing life together, covering all areas of church life, working quietly and effectively to make people welcome, and keep them safe, sharing the love of Jesus. We’d love you to get involved, let me know if you'd like to.
DAVE BREAR
When not kayaking or sailing, Dave supports in the church office and keeps all of our risk-assessments, data and safe-guarding policies up to date.
HAZEL DAVIES
Hi, I'm the Families, Children & Youth Co-ordinator for the church, I support and resource the FCY teams and families in various ways. I am married to Adrian, and we have 3 grown up children.
NEIL GILLIES
Hi, my name is Neil. I have the privilege of being the financial controller for Grace. I am married with 2 grown up kids and three grandchildren. My wife, Nicky, and I moved from west Wales in 2019 where I had worked in the NHS for over 29 years and was the treasurer and a trustee at our local Church. We had been visiting Bedford and Grace for several years before our move, always receiving a warm and heartfelt welcome which made the transition to life in Bedford so much easier.
KAREN JONES
Hi, I am the Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre Manager for Bedford/Kempston, as part of the church’s community work. I live in Kempston with my husband and two sons.
LOUISE PESTELL
I’m a Ladies Pastoral Worker for Grace Community Church. I am married to Nic and we have three adult children. I work with ladies in our church family and our community via various groups I’m involved in leading. It’s a privilege to be involved in the lives of so many people, whether in the joys or the struggles.
SALLY PIBWORTH
Hi I’m Sally and I support the church as part of the Finance Team.
JON PUTT
I'm Jon, I'm married to Lois and we have two lively sons. I'm responsible for co-ordinating our church's homegroups and pastoral care. Outside of my responsibilities to the church family, I try to keep fit by occasionally running, paddling on the local river, and getting regularly humiliated at the local Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy. Any attempts to keep fit are undermined by my passion for BBQ. Since joining Grace in 2013 I've found it a real joy to be part of a church family that is active in sharing God's love for people, and where everyone is welcome.
AILIE REDMAN
Hi, I’m Ailie and I work part time for Grace overseeing the Administration Team. Working in the church office, I enjoy connecting with many different teams, volunteers and members of the community. I am married to Neil and have 4 grown-up children.
SIMON ROWELL
Hi, my name’s Simon and I’m one of the pastors at Grace leading our worship teams and helping new people connect to the Church family. My wife Suzanne, our two adult sons and I have seen God at work in growing his church over nearly 2 decades. We love the church’s commitment to people from all backgrounds, from those just beginning to explore Christianity to those who’ve been a Christian for many years.
MARTIN SALTER
Hi, my name’s Martin, I’m married to Sarah and we have three rapidly growing kids. We’ve been part of Grace since 2010, and I’m the lead pastor at the church. We love how the church constantly tries to live out grace as a response to grace, bringing God’s good news to all sorts of people in our community.
HEATHER SOLESBURY
Hi, my name is Heather. I have had the privilege of working for Grace since 2003, mainly in the community based at the central and vibrant Project 229. I run the Well Woman Workshop and other courses aimed at giving women confidence in all areas of their life.
Leadership team
As we read in the New Testament we see that churches are led by a team of elders, also known as pastors (shepherds) or overseers. They are words used to describe the same person.
The people are qualified men according to scripture (1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:5-10). Although elders or pastors are the highest human authority in the local church, they are ultimately following Jesus, the chief-shepherd and ultimate Head of the church. They will give an account to Him for their stewardship.
Elders
GRAHAM ALBANS
CHRIS EVANS
GIDEON RICHARDS
ADAM WHITE
CHRIS ATKINSON
RAY EVANS
SIMON ROWELL
CHRIS ALMOND
JON PUTT
MARTIN SALTER
Deacons
BUNMI ALADE
MARK ANDERSON
DAVID PARISH
OLU ALADE
MARK CRISP
RICHARD PERRY
JULIE ANDERSON
NEIL REDMAN
LOUISE PESTELL
