Meet the team!
Pastor Keith Mitchell
Originally from a Surrey village, our family was deeply involved in the local church, where I found faith in Jesus at an early age. As long as I can remember, God has always been real to me, but there was a moment, whilst still a child (around 7 years of age), that I decided to commit my life to Jesus. At that time there was so much about the Christian faith that I didn't understand (and still don't!), but I knew enough to make a conscious decision to ask for forgiveness of my sins and to follow Jesus. A few years later, certain that my earlier decision was genuine, I felt compelled to be baptised as a believer, making a public declaration of my faith.
Cutting a long story short, I received a dramatic call to pastoring whilst still in my teens and took an unorthodox route into Christian ministry. Having led my first church for 11 years, I received the call to minister at MPBC, arriving here as pastor of our congregation in 2000.
So, what does a pastor do? Well, I take responsibility for overall leadership of the church (along with our deacons), guiding our decision-making and direction of travel. I do most of the preaching and Bible teaching, oversee our programme of groups and activities, co-ordinate visiting the sick and housebound, offer guidance and mentoring, along with (not enough) praying, reading and studying.
I am married to Lisa, an 'undiscovered' (her words, not mine!) artist, and together we enjoy long walks in the country, traveling and watching period dramas.
Treasurer - Nicola
My name is Nicola and I have been attending Merton Park Baptist Church since 2013. I served as Church Secretary for seven years and am now the Treasurer. I am married to Leslie, we have two daughters and live locally. In my spare time I enjoy reading, walking, gardening, keeping fit, and I also volunteer with a local charity, Zimkids.
Deacon - Christine
My name is Christine and I am married with a daughter. I have been a deacon for several years. I first came to the church to help with Girls' Brigade for just three months. I will have been a member for 40 years in September 2024.
I enjoy doing many different crafts, and belong to a tap dancing group. I have been a member of Girls' Brigade for many years and enjoy the fellowship of like-minded ladies. It was through the GB company at the church (which no longer exists) that I first started to worship here. I felt it was the place that God had called me to serve Him. I enjoy being a deacon, as it is another way of serving the Lord, and helping His people. We are a welcoming and friendly community of believers, where the Word of God is preached weekly. I have been blessed with having good friends here and knowing there is great love amongst us.
Deacon - Joan
I am Joan and I became a member of Merton Park Baptist Church in February 2019 because of its sound biblical teaching and friendly, welcoming atmosphere. I have been a Christian since I was 14 years old. In April 2021 I stood for election to become a deacon because I loved the church and its people and wanted to give my time serving others.
My main hobbies are DIY, card making and knitting 'Twiddlemuffs' for St George's Hospital. These are given to people with dementia and those suffering from trauma. It helps keep them calm. I am now a widow so in my spare time, as part of the 'Compassionate Neighbour' scheme at St Raphael's Hospice, North Cheam I visit sick and lonely people in their own homes.
Deacon - Sharon
My name is Sharon Northey. I am married to Ivor and we have an adult son and a recently married adult daughter. My husband and I are currently living at my mother's house as we are her primary carers. I work as a Scrum Master/Delivery Manager for a Technology & Business Consultancy firm.
I have been at Merton Park Baptist Church over 30 years. 4 generations of our family have been worshipping at Merton Park Baptist Church since the early 1980's when my mother and grandmother initially started worshipping here. This was when my grandmother moved from Jamaica to live with my mother, my father, my sister and I when my grandfather passed.