Forefront, in common with many churches whose origins are in the non-conformist tradition, understands church leadership to be plural. We recognise leaders in various ministries, according to their gifts and calling, and most of the week-to-week work in Forefront gets done because of their diligence. Leaders of our home groups (which we call Life Groups) are significant in our pastoral activities and 'family business'. Our Trustees ensure we fulfil our responsibilities for staff, property and financial accountability.
Our Forefront Centre administrator Emma Higgs leads a team of receptionists and volunteers which ensures this facility continues to fulfil the vision which led us to establish it.
Week by week, our Sunday meetings are guided by busy rotas of service leaders, speakers and musical worship leaders, meaning no two services look alike.
The Forefront Leadership Team provides spiritual oversight and direction. The team comprises, from the left:
Nigel Marsh, formerly a journalist in Somerset, then a missionary and a relief and development worker for 21 years in Africa. He returned to the UK in 2010, still working in the humanitarian sector, and joined Forefront. He is married to Jane, with three adult children.
Victor Basso, an Italian-Brazilian living in the UK since 2020. He works as a mechanical supervisor in a local company and enjoys playing the saxophone and learning new languages. He is married to Rachel and is currently studying carpentry at college.
Laura Dimon, who has been a primary school teacher and now works in a local business. She is a prolific craft worker and runs an online craft shop through which she sells patterns for some of her crochet designs. Laura has been a lifelong member of Forefront, and has volunteered with a London-based mission organisation in the past. Laura has a shy cat.
Abigail Brister, a laboratory technician at a veterinary practice serving the South West and a lifelong member of Forefront. Abbie spent time living and working in South Africa. She is married to Martin, and together they have a baby girl, Tabitha. The family includes a lively dog and an assertive tortoise.
David Burfield, a Polymer Scientist with a Doctorate in Pastoral Studies, who spent 17 years teaching at the University of Malaya and another 16 teaching in Bible College there – including writing three books in Malay. David has been with Forefront since 2012. He is married to Rhona and together they have three adult children. David and Rhona have been adopted by a cat.
Christine Smith, who has been with Forefront since 2008 and is employed by the church to coordinate community connection and integration, in addition to her voluntary role on this team. She has lived in various places in the UK, and worked as an English teacher for 18 months in Beijing, China. She is currently on sabbatical and is volunteering in South America.