Leadership & Staff
The church leadership is made up of three teams: Elders, Staff and Management Team (Deacons).
Simon Lawton – Lead Pastor
Simon has recently joined us from Elim Church Newcastle. He was born and bred in Leicester which explains his love for Leicester City. He is married to Julia and they have five adult children, four grandchildren and a crazy little black dog called ‘Alfie”. Simon blogs at www.simonlawton.com and has recently published his first book entitled ‘Imagine” (Trusting God like never before’) which can be purchased at church or here.
You can email Simon at: slawton@encounterchurch.uk
Elders
Deji Okubadejo
Deji is married to Dot and coordinates the Multimedia Team.
Jamie Price
Jamie is married to Debs and they have one young son. He is an ordained Elim minister who serves God pioneering new youth groups for Elim’s Limitless youth ministry.
James Wilton
James is married to Alayne and has two daughters. He is the church secretary and coordinates the IT work at the church.
Ngozi Anya (Known as NG)
NG is married to Eudy and has two children and is an active member of the Multimedia Team as well as serving in other areas of church life
Abraham Adjei-Kwarteng
Abraham is married and heads up the prayer team.
Andy Vanek
Andy is married to Zoe and leads our connect group network as well as being involved in so many aspects of church life!
Staff
Isaac Williams – Isaac is a trainee assistant Pastor at Encounter Church and is married to Emily. He loves leading worship and playing the keys! He supports the lead pastor in his role and oversees the following key areas: Pastoral Care, Integration of new believers and newcomers, Creative team and Worship. iwilliams@encounterchurch.uk
Julia Lawton – Alongside supporting her husband Pastor Simon in leading the church, Julia serves in a part-time role and is looking forward to launching new community projects (watch this space!), providing pastoral care and leading our Aspire women’s ministry. She also serves on the Aspire national leadership team. Julia loves a bargain, new clothes and spending time with her family and grandchildren. jlawton@encounterchurch.uk
Abz Adekeye – Abz is married to Kunle and is our Youth Pastor and her main role is to oversee our youth ministry and provide support and pastoral care for our young people. She has a particular interest in mental health issues amongst young people. aadekeye@encounterchurch.uk
Debs Price – Debs is our Director of Children’s Ministry. She oversees Encounter Kids on a Sunday, Catalyst and Sparklers. Debs previously worked as a Teacher in a primary school before joining the team. She is married to Jamie, who is an active member of the church and they have a little boy called Jude. You can contact Debs at dprice@encounterchurch.uk.
Tony Pash – Tony is our Services Manager for both Encounter Church and Foundations Day Nursery (which operates in the building adjacent to the church). Tony is also our church finance officer and handles all bookings of our building. If you would like to book our building, call the church office or email Tony tpash@encounterchurch.uk.
Thao Cappato – Thao is our part-time Church Administrator and personal assistant to Pastor Simon. She also is a part of our worship team. Thao is married to Rafael and have a little boy named Enzo. tcappato@encounterchurch.uk
