People

Tom Duncanson - Minister

Our Minister is Rev Thomas R D Duncanson. Tom and wife Ruth have been at UBBC since 1998.

"Originating from Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, I have drifted south over the years. I first felt the call to ministry soon after being baptised at the age of 16. At the time, I was in membership at Abbey Road Baptist Church, having been brought up in that church. But on leaving school I worked locally for a couple of years, eventually moving to Manchester to train as a State Registered Nurse. It was there I met Ruth, and we were married in 1975. A year later we moved to Spurgeons College, London to begin training for the Baptist Ministry. That same year our daughter Helen was born.

During college days I was a student pastor at Bromham, Bedfordshire and then on leaving college became their first full-time minister in 1980. Our son Mark was born in Bedford in 1981. We moved to Yardley Wood in South Birmingham in 1985 where we spent the next 13 years until moving to Upper Beeding.

I am a companion of the Northumbria Community, appreciating the Celtic style of spirituality. Ruth and I have also been associated with Spring Harvest Holidays in France, fulfilling a pastoral role to the staff and guests during the summer.

Desires: to be a blessing and be blessed! / to speak French!!
Loves: theatre / movies / music (of most sorts!) / fun & friends
Hates: baked beans
Admires: those who enjoy extreme sports!"

Mike Parker - Minister in Training

From September 2006, Tom is joined by Mike Parker, our new Minister in Training. Mike and Kate Parker have been members at UBBC for a number of years.

"I am married to Katy and have three young daughters. I became a Christian about ten years ago whilst attending an Alpha course run by Upper Beeding Baptist Church (UBBC).

Having worked as a Probation Officer is Sussex for about sixteen years I am now embarking on three years of full-time training to become a Baptist Minister. I will be the Minister in Training at UBBC from September 2006, whilst also studying for my Batchelor in Theology Degree at Spurgeon's College, London."

Church Leadership

Our Ministers are supported by a Church Leadership Team comprising six people, and by numerous team and activity leaders.