Lead Pastor – Richard Lacey

My family and I have been at Woodgreen since September 2006. We moved from Bristol, where I had served as assistant pastor in a large inner-city church for 6 years.

Previous to that I worked in Bristol as a secondary school teacher of English. I loved teaching, especially the challenge of making difficult books accessible to my students. However in January 2000 I hung up my red pen and trained to be a minister. Ever since becoming a Christian in my teens I’ve had a growing desire to open up God’s Book, the Bible, and help others access its life-changing message which is all about Jesus.

I was brought up in Harrow, North West London, where most of my family still live. I’m married to Carolyn and we have two young children, Tiana and Jed, who are a source of great fun and laughter.

I enjoy watching rugby and F1, am an appallingly bad learner golfer, and as a North Londoner I support Arsenal.

Richard’s responsibilities: strategic oversight, preaching programme, mission, discipleship and gifts, leadership training, community links.

Email: richard@woodgreenchurch.co.uk

Associate Pastor – Peter Barham

In Autumn 1998 I moved from Nottingham with my wife, Glenys and it has been an incredible experience and privilege to be part of a church where God is at work.

I had worked for 30 years at The Boots Company and thoroughly enjoyed the experience and challenges of different roles.  But that was then and this is now!  I can testify to the truth of Proverbs ch 16 v 9 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” And God has brought us here.

I enjoy sport, gardening and when I find time, a spot of art. We have two fabulous children, Rachel who lives in Nottingham and Jonathan in Dunstable. We are grandparents with two delightful granddaughters and we take great pleasure in the joys, privileges and responsibilities of this role. Even when we are old and grey (!!) we want to declare God’s power to the next generation (Psalm71 : 18).

Peter’s responsibilities: pastoral care, growth groups, prayer, membership

Email: peter@woodgreenchurch.co.uk

Associate Pastor – Paul Hughes

I moved to Worcester in May 2008, with my wife Liz and two girls Chloe and Lois. I’m from North Wales  where I spent the last 13 years as a professional musician, and gained experience in Pastoral work. My particular interest is amongst emerging generations and training those who work in a youth context. I have a deep passion to see children and young people reach their huge potential which I believe can only be done under God’s care. I love being involved in a church that is a resource centre for the family, welcomes anyone, and trains everyone to impact others with the astounding love of Jesus Christ. I also live the rollercoaster ride that is being an Everton supporter!

Paul’s responsibilities: children and youth, families, music and service leaders, mentoring.

Email: paul@woodgreenchurch.co.uk

Assistant Pastor  - Anthony Fisher

I worked as a primary school teacher before joining Woodgreen as a Pastor in September 2008. I am married to Elaine and we have four children: Mary, Daniel, Ruth and Jonathan.

Anthony’s responsibilities: evangelism, website

Email: anthony@woodgreenchurch.co.uk

Elder  - Noel Allsup

In 1981, my wife Olive and I, along with our four daughters Caroline, Sonia, Lorna and Vanessa moved from Cardiff to Worcester and in 1988 joined East Street Evangelical Church then in 1995 transferred with other members to Woodgreen.

As a veterinary surgeon, I worked in the UK, South America, Europe, the Middle East and India, retiring in 2001. However, such an experience pales to insignificance compared with experiencing the compass of God`s love, faithfulness, guidance and joy through thick and thin. Clearly it`s a thrill to serve Him in His church at Woodgreen.

My interests include writing , classical music, swashbuckling films, walking and swimming with our grandsons.

Noel’s responsibilities: pastoral care…

Elder  - Mike Auty

My wife Chris and I with our four children came here from West Yorkshire in 1987 and have been involved with Woodgreen and the preceding church at East Street since that time. I have worked as a chartered architect and construction consultant and have recently retired.

I became a christian about the time I first started working and since then I have tried to live my life in line with the directions given by God in the Bible. Knowing and serving Jesus has made all the difference to my marriage, family, work and church family life.

I am completely sold out on the local church being identified as a gospel community on mission with Jesus bringing hope to the neighbourhood and surrounding locality.

In retirement I am making a return to playing golf and have an interest in classic cars. I enjoy the theatre, creative arts and music. I’m also a grandpa to ten small grandchildren. Walking in the Lake District is close to heaven.

Mike’s responsibilities; pastoral care, supporting the Operations teams.

Elder  - Don Beckett

I have been attending Woodgreen for 16 years with my wife Jane and daughter Charlotte. I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy and I manage a GP Surgery in Kidderminster.

I became a Christian in my first year at the University of Wales in Cardiff and followed my time at university with two years of full-time study at Elim Bible College. Since my time at bible college I have been involved with all aspects of Christian ministry and have been involved in church leadership within each church that I have attended.

I currently co-lead the Corfe Avenue Growth Group and see Growth Groups as very important in the life of the church as it helps build up relationships with one another that are important to the life of a vibrant Christ-centred community based church reaching out to the mission field in which God has placed us.

My hobbies include piloting light aircraft, learning to play golf, watching rugby & cricket and pen turning. I am also a member of the CIPFA Charity Panel, which advises various bodies including the Charity Commission on current finance related issues.

Don’s Responsibilities: Pastoral Care, Finance, Welcome Teams & Sunday Duty Teams.

Elder  - James Fuller

I am married to Sue and we have three children who are a great source of joy to us along with the odd trial!. We love the outdoors and enjoy walking, camping and cycling. I am a self employed metalworker designing and making ironwork for the home and garden which I enjoy very much.

I thank the Lord that he gave me parents who taught me the truths of Christianity and it was at the age of 11 that I remember making a commitment to Jesus. It wasn’t until my late teens however that I was really aware of the bad stuff in my life and understood why Jesus had to come and rescue me. Since then Jesus has been very gracious to me in countless ways and helped me to grow in my faith as I have understood more about the Gospel, its power and, because I still mess up, my constant need to be transformed by it. Because of this I am committed to helping others understand and accept the good news of Jesus whether it is in a youth context or small group or one to one.

James’ responsibilities: pastoral care…

Elder  - Peter Gerber

We moved as a family to Woodgreen some six years ago and never thought that we would settle into a big church but God always has a plan for His people. In letting Him control our lives we are now involved in the great work that He has for His church in Woodgreen. It’s great to see people from all walks of life coming to worship, praise and serve Jesus and that is something that I want to encourage and be part of.

I’m married to Louise and we have three children. My interests include sport, anything to do with Switzerland (especially the chocolate) and family life. I work in Sales and the company I work for is involved in the NHS so I visit hospitals across the UK. I have to admit that I am in the minority who love their job and I am very thankful to God for that.

Peter’s responsibilities: pastoral care…

Elder  - Stuart Owen

Whilst at university I met some Christians and was challenged by their faith. After struggling for some time with the credibility of Christianity in a scientific age, I finally came to faith in Christ through reading the Bible.

In 1980 I married Beryl who worked with Child Evangelism Fellowship and we have three daughters.

In 1981 I completed a course at the London Reformed Baptist Seminary. I have written a couple of books, published by Grace Publications.

I have also served the Lord in youth leadership, door to door evangelism, lay preaching, short-term missions in Brazil, Thailand and Kazakhstan, serving as a Deacon and latterly as an Elder of Woodgreen Evangelical Church.

I still enjoy studying science, but now it causes me to rejoice in the amazing God who made everything so wonderful. The most amazing thing of all is to think this amazing God become a man and died an incomprehensibly painful death to save people like me!

Stuart’s responsibilities: pastoral care, supporting the work at Perdiswell Community Church.