leadership
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood'
Pastor Carl Peet
I was converted in 2003 following a prolonged period of addiction and chaotic living, the LORD worked in my heart over many years, using people and situations to grow an increasing sense of conviction for my sinfulness and rebellion against him. I knew my life was in a mess, and I knew I was hopeless to change it.
At one of the many times I hit rock bottom during these years I would pray and ask God to help me if he did- ‘I would change!!’ That’s how messed up my thinking was. I suppressed my conscience through drugs and alcohol, but the LORD in his providence brought me to an abrupt halt in Guatemala in 2002. I ran out of money and options whilst backpacking overseas and resultantly spent time volunteering in a Christian orphanage and experienced sobriety for the first time in 12 years, the faithful, simple and joyful witness of the children and staff really broke me.
On my return to the UK I entered employment and on the first day of work was introduced to the guy who would ‘show me the ropes’, he was a born-again believer who was greatly used of God to share the gospel with me. I shared my struggles and he took time and care to answer my questions, pray for me and point me to Jesus. He gave me a bible, I took it home I read 1 Corinthians 1 and Ecclesiastes and God used these words to hit me like a ton of bricks, the places I was looking for answers would never give me them. Only the cross of Jesus could answer my deepest needs. The Lord had opened my eyes to the truth of Christ,
I cried out that night to Jesus for forgiveness (May 5th, 2003). I felt the guilt and shame of my sin lift, I cried the happy-sad tears of godly sorrow. And I began trusting Jesus as myLord and Saviour.
I am 19 years saved and clean this year by God’s grace. I met my wife Caroline in church in 2004 and we were married in 2005, the Lord has blessed us with 4 children who love Jesus and love to serve His people in the church.
I felt a call into pastoral ministry from the earliest days of faith, however I spent over a decade working in mental health, drug and alcohol, and homeless services, working around the UK in community services, secure units and prisons.
I eventually followed the call into training for ministry in 2013, first studying with Birmingham Theological Seminary in the States, before studying for a BA (Hons) in Theological Studies at Highland Theological College.
Since 2014 I have been engaged in pastoral ministry, firstly a Locum Minister in the Highlands of Scotland, before undertaking an Assistantship at an FIEC church in Nottingham and then being involved in pastoral ministry and church planting in Grimsby, before being called to Oldbury in 2021.
God's grace to me and my family never ceases to amaze me!Deacon Moses Simms
Moses Simms was born and raised in St Ann’s Jamaica. He came to the U.K. in late 1960’s, born within a Christian home and raised to fear The Lord. Moses’ mum was a staunch Christian who ensured serving and living for Christ was instilled in her children.
In late 1960’s Moses was brought up in Sunday School at Oldbury Congregational Church and continued as an attendee.
In late 1970’s Moses met Ciniea his now wife of 40 years, father to Darren.
In 2008 Moses’ wife became seriously ill, Moses was at his lowest, and sought prayer from Pastor Bryan Jones, the Deacons and the church as a whole.
God has been, and continues to be gracious to Moses and Ciniea, in that Ciniea made a full recovery. Praise The Lord.
During 2008 Moses came to a turning point in his life where his faith ‘grew legs’ as he started to walk in faith. Reverend Bryan Jones saw something in Moses and continued to disciple him.
In 2015 Moses was called to serve as a Deacon and his desire is for the people to come to know Christ and to witness to non believers. Moses’ passion is extended for people beyond the church.
Moses still works full time as a Car Technician and has done since leaving education.
Moses’ interest includes riding his bike to keep fit and enjoys holidays abroad with family.
The greatest gift that has ever been given is eternal life along with the Christian life when lived in obedience to Christ. It brings joy, peace hope and purpose. Without purpose life has no meaning, because now I have found purpose to serve in His Kingdom.ADVISORY BOARD
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As our church seeks a structural revitilisation, we are grateful for the help and guidance of a Pastoral Advisory board who meet regularly with our Pastor for prayer, support, encouragement and direction.
This provides our sole Elder with accountability and advice whilst the church seeks to recognise and develop potential Elders and Deacons.
Our board consists of: *Rev. Tom Brand (EFCC Ministry Director). *Steve Horton (EFCC, Ministry Coordinator, Midlands and N.Wales) *Rev.Matthew Jones (Pastor, Wallheath Evangelical Free Church).
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