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.
Secretary - 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 am a retired 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.
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 - Soon
Hi my name is Soon Park.
I have a special affection for this church. It is the first church I attended when I came to the UK and it is also where a Korean church was planted and where I became a member of that congregation.
Even after many years, I am truly grateful and joyful to return to this church and serve God again as a member of the body of Christ. Although I am not worthy, it is my honor to follow God's guidance, to serve this church, and to be part of His work in expanding His Kingdom.
Deacon - Trevor
Hi, I'm Trevor, I'm married to Linda and have 2 grown-up stepsons. I grew up in Essex, near what is now Lakeside shopping centre, but back then it was just "the pit". My dad was a deacon, treasurer and preacher in a Brethren chapel, and I absorbed Bible stories from an early age. I was baptised as a believer when I was 19. I've been coming to MPBC for nearly 4 years, and appreciate the in-depth Bible teaching, friendliness, and opportunities to be involved.
I am a senior engineer with Transport for London, working on computer modelling. My interests include railways, especially old steam locomotives, choral singing, genealogy, table tennis.