Meet The Leaders

As an Independant church the members are responsible for appointing their own Elders, Deacons and staff.  Below are a few details about the Elders and staff so you can find out a bit about them.  Being a very shy bunch we haven't got many pictures yet but these will follow!


JOHN BENTON - Senior Pastor

John was a Maths teacher in Liverpool before training to become a Christian minister.  He has a doctorate in science and has a keen interest in the relationship between science and faith.  He came to CSBC as full-time pastor in 1980 and in God's goodness the church has grown over the years.  John is married to Ann and they have 4 grown up children and 3 grandchildren.  John and Ann are regularly asked to speak together at churches and conferences on matters relating to marriage, parenting and family issues.

John is the author of over a dozen books and tracts (click here) and is also the managing editor of a monthly newspaper called Evangelicals Now


KLAUS GREEN - Elder

Klaus is a GP in a local practice and came to Guildford in 1994 when training to become a GP.  He became a Christian at the age of 11 when on a youth camp but didn't fully appreciate what it was to follow Jesus until he went to university.  He has particular responsibility for Fellowship Groups, Christianity Explored courses and some youthwork.

Klaus is married to Suzie who is a trained nurse and midwife and they have three children who attend local schools.  Klaus says, "Following Jesus is challenging, and exciting.  He provides a rock solid foundation for living, and I honestly can’t imagine what life would be like without the purpose and security that knowing Him brings."


SIMON BRENNAN - Elder

Simon was brought up in Northern Ireland where he spent many of his schooldays playing rugby and basketball, learning the trumpet, and singing in various choirs.  He then studied Spanish and French at Trinity College, Dublin, where he met his wife, Mary-Rose.  They got married a few months after graduation and then went to Spain for three years to teach English in a Christian-run language school.  Returning to the UK in 1986 they settled in the Guildford area where they both began teaching in local schools.  24 years later they’re still teaching in local schools but now also have four sons aged between 15 and 25.

Simon became a Christian at the age of 14.  He had been given a Gideons New Testament at school, and reading it, together with the witness and lifestyle of a fellow-pupil, brought him to realise the reality of Jesus and his own need of forgiveness.  Simon says, “leaving home to go to University was a key moment, as I realised that only a wholehearted, open commitment to Jesus Christ would be either credible or effective.”  He and Mary Rose have been members at CSBC since 1987.


ADRIAN CREEDY - Elder

Adrian's profile will be arriving shortly.



DAVID SKULL - Assistant Pastor

David has been at CSBC since 2008 after completing his theological training at Oak Hill College in North London.  He trained as a civil engineer before working as a Universities & Colleges Christian Fellowship staff worker prior to training for the ministry.

David is married to Naomi who trained as a physiotheropist before becoming a full-time mum to their two small children.

 


MIKE PARSONS - Children's & Youthwork

Mike was born & raised in Guildford and worked in engineering for several years before becoming involved in sound recording and broadcasting.  He then worked for a Christian radio organisation for 14 years before returning to CSBC in 2002.  Mike had worked in children's and youth work for quite a few years as an ordinary member before taking up this role.  He also visits a number of local primary schools to take assemblies.

Mike became a Christian at the age of 14 as a result of the churches youthwork, a couple of summer camps and his brother's conversion story. 

Mike is married to Carolyn who is a nurse and works in a local hospital.  They have two teenage children.