General Leadership Team

Eight people share the leadership and pastoral responsibility for Wharfedale Vineyard and form the General Leadership Team (known as the GLT). This team is responsible for leading, guiding and supporting the activities of the other teams in the community of faith that is the Wharfedale Vineyard.

All of the GLT work paid or voluntarily for the church and also have other careers.

David and Alison Flowers

David and Alison Flowers planted the Wharfedale Vineyard in 1997. David took a degree in theology, is employed three days per week by the church and is the chair of trustees. He is a director of a small financial planning business. Alison trained as a teacher and now works as an artist as well as being employed two days per week by the church. They have two grown up sons, Josh and Sam.

As Senior Pastors, David & Alison have particular responsibility for setting the vision for the Wharfedale Vineyard and for preaching. They also head up the development of leaders and church planting. David and Alison serve on the VCUK&I Council and from 1 January 2011 are Area Leaders for the North.

Alex and Karen Griffin

Alex and Karen Griffin have been part of the Vineyard for many years and at Wharfedale Vineyard since 2005.  They lead a housegroup and have overseen the growth and development of Reach Out ministries. Alex is an architect and Karen is a doctor.  They have two young sons, Tim and Peter.

Ben and Kate Newman

Ben and Kate Newman have been part of Wharfedale Vineyard since 1999. They started the original T4:12 youth group in 2001 and ran a housegroup for several years. Ben is a business consultant and Kate is a teacher. They have two young sons, Sam and Joseph.

Kate works part-time for the church. Ben & Kate have pastoral responisibilty as Associates to David and Alison. 

David and Sally Wallace

David and Sally Wallace were first invited to visit Wharfedale Vineyard in 2000 by Ben and Kate. They were the pioneers of the Sunday 3, Thinking Aloud, Minicab and Ideas Factory events, leaders of the Vine and created the church website. David is an IT consultant and Sally is a GP. They have two young children, Sarah and Mark.

David & Sally have oversight of communications (the web site and other forms of information sharing) and our welcoming environment.

What do we do?

The GLT meets together every few weeks to pray and ponder. We pray and minister to each other but we also think about issues and opportunities. We are focussed on our vision and think things through strategically rather than on a day to day level. We work alongside the trustees and staff as well as other leaders.

And the other leaders?

The General Leadership Team are not the only leaders! Most of what happens in and around Wharfedale Vineyard is led by other people. The General Leadership Team seek to encourage this and simply provide overall leadership, guidance and support.

Please pray for the General Leadership Team as they seek to serve Wharfedale Vineyard.