Team Leader appointed at the LBA 

The London Baptist Association (LBA) has appointed the Revd Phil Barnard as its new Regional Minister Team Leader

Phil (pictured right) has been Pastor of Mitcham Lane Baptist Church, Streatham, for almost ten years, and has also served as an LBA District Minister in the South West. Prior to entering pastoral ministry he worked in retail management and, after training at London Bible College, spent six years as a minister at Hertford Baptist Church in the Central Association.

He succeeds the Revd Geoff Andrews, who left the role last year. The recruitment process was rigorous: consultations were held across the Association to help shape the thinking of the appointment, alongside input from a task group and district ministers. Four candidates were invited for the initial interview; which subsequently narrowed the selection to two. Following the second interview, the interviewing panel was unanimous in its choice of Phil.

The LBA Board of Directors endorsed this decision, and brought it to member churches at a General Meeting on 28 April. Again, support for the appointment of Phil was unanimous.   

Phil said, ‘It is both exciting and humbling to be nominated as Team Leader. I have long felt an emerging call to regional ministry and for the LBA to recognise that call is something for which I am deeply thankful to God.  

‘I am very much looking forward to serving and encouraging the churches and ministers across our great city. In our post-denominational era, I have a passion for recapturing a vision for association life and interdependence.

‘The LBA means a great deal to me and I firmly believe that by communicating better, and being clearer in vision and purpose, we can see our association go forward in strength and confidence.’

His ten years at Mitcham Lane saw the fellowship grow and a range of projects make an impact in the local community, such as the establishment of a Christians Against Poverty centre and an urban garden. His management experience proved invaluable in helping a financially struggling church move to a secure position.

Having lived in and around the capital most of his life (as a youngster he attended North Cheam Baptist Church in Surrey during the ministry of the Revd David Coffey), Phil explained that he loves the city and its vibrant diversity. He has a passion for mission and discipleship, and for the UK church to make a transformational impact in its post-Christian, multi-faith setting. He believes his skills in management, strategy, vision building and partnership work will serve him well in this calling.



Phil is married to Jenny, who works for the Diocese of London in its Youth and Children’s Department overseeing a programme of youth apprenticeships. They have three children, Eleanor (12), Edward (8) and Ernest (3).  In his spare time, he enjoys music, film, books and social media, and is a life-long supporter of Tottenham Hotspur FC.  He’s also an experienced multi-instrumentalist and has played in many bands inside and outside of church life.

Phil’s ministry at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church ends later this month. He starts with the LBA on 20 June, with an induction service on 2 July.
 
He added, ‘I would value your prayers as I conclude my ministry at Mitcham Lane and prepare for this very different role – with all of its abundant opportunities and challenges – in the coming weeks and months ahead.’