Elim Church Leaders & Staff

Senior Pastor

Pastor Simon Lawton was born and bred in Leicester (which explains his love for Leicester City!) and started his working life in retailing with WH Smith and Mercury News until God called him to ministry in 1985.

Shortly after this he met Julia and they attended the Elim Bible College in Nantwich from 1992-1996 where Simon studied for his BA Honours degree in Theology & Christian Ministry. During this period they felt the call of God to plant a church in Crewe in 1995, overseeing the move and conversion of a shopping area into the New Life Centre in 1998.

Simon & Julia have five children and a little black dog Alfie. Simon’s interests include football, the gym (to keep the middle-age spread off!), watching sport and reading. He is also improving at DIY! Julia has experience leading children's club and Toddler Groups. She enjoys shopping, shopping and shopping!

Simon is currently the leader of New Life Camp, which takes place every summer. Simon & Julia's passion is to build a 1st Century church in 21st Century clothes.


Elders

Pastor Alex Morgan is our Youth & Young Adults Pastor, looking after youth of high school age and young people aged 18—30.

Alex (pronounced ‘Alec’) hails from Fraserburgh on the north-east coast of Scotland and was fully involved in his local church until moving to Canada in 2004, to study at the School of Ministry at Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship. He was involved with student ministries and leading small groups at TACF, whilst also leading missions trips to Paris and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Following this, Alex felt called to Bible College back in the UK to study youth work, and has since completed his BA Honours degree in Applied Theology from Regents Theological College.


Dr Rotimi Jaiyesimi is a highly respected medical professional in the North East. Rotimi and his wife Esther bring a wealth of practical wisdom to the team and also oversee the international dimension of the church.

Maureen White is our Pastoral Care Coordinator, with a passion and genuine love for people. Her desire is to see every individual move forward into the purposes God has for their lives. With previous experience of leading in a church, and as part of a regional team for an international women's ministry, Maureen’s wisdom, experience and strong relationship with God makes her well suited to the role! Maureen has been married to Brian for 46 years they have 5 wonderful daughters and 6 grandchildren.


Staff
Laura Cooke is living in Byker and heading up our Eden team. Laura and her husband Chris moved up to Newcastle from Oxfordshire with their fluffy dog, Izzy. With previous experience as a Primary School teacher and volunteer church youth worker she is excited about becoming part of the community and forming lasting relationships with the young people and their families.


Julia Lawton, along with supporting her husband Simon in leading the church, works part-time as Administrator in the church office. She enjoys the day to day involvement with people and the practical role she is able to play in church life. She leads our ladies' ministry Aspire Newcastle and our babies and toddlers singing and dancing group M&M.

Take a look at our Church Leadership Structure to see who's who:

Leadership Structure (PDF file)