About me

I live in Mansfield, an ex-mining town in Nottinghamshire where I’m a lay leader of two churches. Until recently my ‘day job’ was supporting children and family work in 312 churches across the Church of England Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, which includes advising and mentoring church-employed workers, helping churches develop vision and strategy, and training and advising on safeguarding and DBS (criminal record) checks. I frequently appear on local BBC radio, and have recorded ‘Pause for Thought’ slots for BBC Radio 2.

I have been a Trustee of a number of charities including Scripture Union and I’m currently on the governing body of St John’s Theological College, Nottingham. I am an elected member of the General Synod of the Church of England, where I’m involved in national work around children and young people, and in addition I serve as a magistrate in the Nottinghamshire area. I have led children’s work and all-age worship events and spoken at seminars at Spring Harvest for the last 27 years, and currently I oversee children and all-age ministry as part of the Event Leadership Team.

Much of my work over the last two decades has been working closely with those who are volunteers and employed workers with children and families in churches. This ranges from personal support, consultation and mentoring through to helping churches renew their vision around children’s ministry. I have delivered training to many thousands of workers both locally and across the country and across denominations, delivering ‘keynote’ talks, workshops and seminars on a range of subjects.

Over 20 years ago I set up the educational activities for school visits in the local Cathedral, Southwell Minster, including the award-winning ‘Time Travelling’ schools pilgrimage days, which became the model for Scripture Union’s ‘Lifepath’ activities. I was also involved in developing the original concept and writing part of the original ‘It’s your Move’ book which has been given to many thousands of children moving from primary to secondary education, and for many years I inspected Church Schools as part of the SIAMS framework.  

I have a particular interest in all-age church, children and Holy Communion, and the issues around boys and the church. I have written on these and many other subjects to resource those working with children and young people. My books have been published by CPAS, BRF, CHP, Kevin Mayhew, Scripture Union, Grove, and SPCK and I have written articles for many journals and magazines. I’ve also written songs and worship resources, and books for teenagers. 

I have two grown-up sons, and one daughter-in-law. I am married to Clare who as well as supporting my work in the local church is also headteacher of a large primary school. When not busy with work, church and judicial duties I plays various musical instruments badly, love walking and running, and enjoy public transport.