Leadership Update

I wanted to take a moment to update you on some important leadership developments here at Grace Church Salisbury.

Leadership the Jesus Way

In Mark 10:42–45, Jesus said to His disciples:

“You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

That’s the heartbeat of leadership in the church. True leadership isn’t about status, control, or recognition - it’s about service.

The New Testament is full of teaching about eldership (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, 1 Peter 5, Acts, and others). What’s striking is that nearly all the qualifications for it are about character, not ability. And that all flows from the seismic shift Jesus describes: in His kingdom, greatness is found in humility, and leaders are first and foremost servants.

Honouring the Past

Grace Church would not be the church it is today without many people who have  faithfully served over the years - often quietly, behind the scenes, with servant hearts and countless unseen sacrifices.

We’re deeply grateful for everyone who has carried leadership responsibility and helped shape Grace Church into the vibrant, Jesus-centred community we enjoy today.

A Growing Church Needs a Growing Team

Grace Church has changed a lot in the last few years - especially as we’ve grown. And that’s wonderful! Look around on a Sunday: statistically, at least one of the people next to you wasn’t here two years ago. Or maybe you weren’t.

The church isn’t just a collection of programmes or buildings - it’s people. Living stones being built together into God’s living temple on earth. As we continue to build the church and reach the world… because Jesus, it’s vital that our leadership grows and strengthens too.

Servant Leaders, Not Solo Leaders

Elders are called to serve and lead the church - but they are by no means the only servants or leaders here. Many people at Grace Church lead, serve, and give sacrificially in all sorts of ways, often unseen. The church is not “about us” - it’s about Jesus and His people working together for His glory.

That said, we take eldership seriously. Currently, our elders are myself, David Maskell, and Simon Sleight. For some time, it was just David and Simon - who served the church faithfully through some very stretching seasons. Since I arrived in 2024, one of our priorities has been to strengthen the eldership team for the future.

Three Significant Leadership Updates

1) Honouring David Maskell

At the end of January 2026, David Maskell will be stepping down from both eldership and the staff team at Grace Church. David is exploring a couple of opportunities for the next season, and he’ll share more about that when he’s able.

We want to take time in January to thank and honour David and Tina for their years of service. Grace Church has been shaped profoundly by them over recent years.

David will continue to serve as an elder until the end of January, but let’s already be praying for them and expressing our gratitude now.

New Elders Joining the Team

For some time now, David Hazelton, Boni Hima, and Joe Deal have been part of an extended leadership team here - walking closely with the elders and growing in leadership.

We’re delighted to announce that we intend to appoint David, Boni, and Joe as elders at Grace Church early next year.

We’re asking for the church’s “yes and amen” to this. If you’re part of Grace Church, please take the next couple of weeks to pray and let us know your affirmation - or if you have biblical concerns about their suitability (based on scriptural qualifications, not personal preferences like glasses, hobbies, or hairstyles!).

We’ve walked a long journey of discernment with these men. Chris Kilby from Commission (the family of churches we belong to) has helped us think and pray through this process.

All being well, we plan on feeding back about this process at our Grace Church Family Meeting on the 19thof November. And then appointing David, Boni, and Joe as elders on 18 January 2026.

We, the current elders at Grace church, can say without hesitation that we wholeheartedly commend these three men to you. They’re far from perfect, just like the rest of us, but they love Jesus, love His people, and have proven themselves faithful. I believe they’re a gift from God to His church.

3) Joe Deal Joining the Staff Team 

Finally, Joe Deal will also be joining the Grace Church staff team in January 2026 in a part-time role. This will release more capacity for him to lead while continuing some of his great work with Rise:61.

Why This Matters

These changes are important because they reflect what God is doing among us. Grace Church is growing in all sorts of ways. And we want our leadership to grow in depth and strength too, so that we can continue to build the church and reach the world because of Jesus.

Jesus said that worldly leaders love to “lord it over” others, but His followers are called to something different. Our leadership is meant to stand out - to be different from the world. A city shining on a hill.

And that’s what excites me most: the way God is shaping our leadership team shows how the church is meant to be a reflection of His kingdom.

The world might say:

• “Someone from Tanzania can’t lead effectively in Salisbury.”
  God’s Word says the church will one day be made up of people from every tribe, nation, and language.

• “Someone who’s had to put family first can’t lead.”
  Scripture says that caring well for your family is a qualification for leadership, not a disqualification.

• “Someone in their 20s can’t lead a church with so many older, experienced people.”
  The Bible says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.”

Even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. That’s the kind of leadership we want to model and multiply here at Grace Church.

Before and After

Before…

Grace Church was about building the church and reaching the world…
Because Jesus.

Afterwards…
Grace Church is still about building the church and reaching the world…
Because Jesus.

Only now, with a new team of elders, leading, and shaping the future together - because of Jesus.

David McNee Lead Elder
Grace Church Salisbury