Ian and Rachel met in London in 1990 as student nurses. After beginning their nursing career and being blessed with three beautiful children, Dan, Josie and Ellen, they together heard the call from God to serve the gospel. In 2000 they returned to Ashford, to the church where Rachel had grown up and Ian became youth pastor under the leadership of Pastors David and Joyce Lamb. Their time in the youth ministry at ACF was followed by 6 months in Indonesia and some years serving at Life Church in Folkestone. In 2015 by invitation they returned to Ashford and were handed the baton to lead this special church into its new season in January 2019.
Ian and Rachel believe wholeheartedly that God wants to bless our community and our nation through his church – through his people. They believe that a thriving, passionate and committed community of God’s people has the potential to transform towns, cities and nations. This happens when the extravagant love of God is expressed through his Gospel and through action. They believe the adage that says “the light that shines brightest at home shines the farthest” and are focussed on mobilising the church family, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to love our community.