Leadership
Our leadership is made up of our Minister and Deacons who are all Trustees.
Russell Howes – Minister
I joined LEBC after 14 years leading a church in Shropshire. I first felt God was calling me into Christian ministry when I was studying in Bristol. And after being caught up in the London "7/7" bombings in 2005, I went off to train at Moorlands College.
I was baptised as a Christian when I was 15. Having experienced God's forgiveness and grace through my parents, I knew I needed to surrender my life to Jesus. And while I was a student, I was also overwhelmed by God's Holy Spirit filling my heart and life in new ways, to live and speak for Him.
I'm married to Helen and we have three children at local schools. We like taking our lovely Golden Retriever for walks, being over-competitive at Scrabble, and sampling local takeaways! I enjoy playing guitar, gardening, and annoying my kids with dad-jokes.
Julian Rowlandson – Church Secretary
Married to Fiona with three sons and five grandsons our family can be busy and chaotic!
We both grew up in Christian families and were baptised in our late teens. I have had the privilege of working in a number of Christian organisations which has prepared me, a little, for the role of Church Secretary at LEBC. We are relative newcomers to the church joining the congregation in 2022.
As a passionate sailor I like to spend anytime I can on the water and have recently discovered an enjoyment of cruising. Along with my enjoyment of sailing I am a trustee of the Venturers Norfolk Broads Cruise a Christian sailing holiday for young people from year 7 up. I served as commodore for 10 years before stepping down.
(Term of office as Church Secretary until 1/4/2026)
Stephen Newton - Treasurer
I am married to Alison and we have two adult children.
I grew up in a Christian family and for much of my life I was involved in church youth work.
We relocated to Lower Earley at the start of the school summer holidays 2007 due to a work relocation and our two children attended the holiday club. We have been at LEBC ever since.
When possible, I play Badminton and I also have an interest in politics.
(Term of office 1 year until 7/10/2026)
Carolyn Hare - Deacon
I have just retired after 26 years as a primary school teacher, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I became a Christian at the age of 15 after being invited to the Christian Union at school. I have been attending LEBC since 1995 and have been active in church for all of my church life, either in Sunday Club, the worship team, the tech team or helping with teas and coffees.
I particularly enjoy undertaking mission trips to different parts of the world. With representatives of LEBC, I went to Uganda and, most recently, to Thailand.
(Term of office 3 years - until 7/10/2028)
Jacques Zeeman - Deacon
I am married with 3 kids (including twin daughters).
I'm fortunate to have grown up in a Christian home so I have been spending time in church since I can remember. I don't recall a specific date for giving my life to Christ but recall numerous times of recommitting to him.
My wife and I moved to the UK from South Africa in 2001 (the day after our wedding) and have been in Lower Earley ever since; joining LEBC in 2010.
Being South African I used to be a keen sportsman and viewer, but since the kids came along they tend to take precedence.
(Term of office 3 years until 15/10/2027)
Jon Lloyd - Deacon
Having grown up in a Christian home and a small rural church, I decided to follow Jesus for myself when I was 10 and was baptised when I was 17.
I am married and have two energetic sons! I have a wide range of interests including sport (especially football and running), music and the natural world.
I am involved with the musical worship at LEBC and regularly pray for the people of Lower Earley on my frequent runs around the area.
(Term of office 3 years until 7/10/2028)
Yin Wang - Deacon
(Term of office 3 years - until 7/8/2028)