Meet the Team

At Shefford Baptist Church the following people make up the leadership of the church.  

Erica Bowler - Minister 

Born and brought up in Sheffield, I have lived in various parts of Britain and worked as a shop assistant, care assistant, dressmaker, and full-time mum to my 3 boys! I heard Jesus calling me to follow him when I was just 12 years old, and he is still leading and guiding me today. A few years ago I was very surprised to realise that Jesus was asking me to be a Baptist minister! I have ministered in Cambridge and in Purfleet-on-Thames (Essex), and am excited now to be ministering in Shefford. I hope to bring my care and creativity and my passion for Jesus to my role as minister not just with the church but with the whole community of Shefford. And I'm ably supported by my lovely husband Dave and my beautiful dog Beau. If you see me out and about, please do stop and say hello!

Patrick Fields - Deacon

I am married with two, adult children and two grand-daughters and a dog. As a family, we have been associated with SBC since 1987 when God called us to what we thought was an interim home only to learn with the passage of time that He had other ideas. I firmly believe that Jesus is the answer to all the big questions of life and its meaning at every level - personal, local, national and global. I enjoy all sports especially those which involve chasing a ball and play squash on a regular basis.

 Dave Tofts - Deacon & Property Steward

My wife and I both grew up in Letchworth and were very involved in our previous church as Youth Leaders.  My wife commenced her teaching career at Shefford Lower School in 1974 and I taught at a Secondary School in Letchworth.  We moved into the Shefford area in the 1970’s and transferred our church membership to SBC in the late 1980’s as we felt it important for our two children to be able to grow up in a local church.  We were warmly welcomed into the fellowship and immediately felt at home here.  Soon after joining the church we became involved in the children’s and young peoples work and I have served on the diaconate for a number of years now.  Maggi remains involved in the children’s work and our grand-daughter attends whenever she is staying with us.  We try to stay active and enjoy travel whenever we get the opportunity. I’m continuing to work hard to try to improve my golf.

Hazel Arnold - Secretary

 I am married to Eric and we have 3 children and 2 lovely grandchildren.  I enjoy going for walks with our dog, Lilly and reading. About 10 years ago it was our intention to move from Luton to Hitchin however, God had other plans.  We ended up moving to Shefford and becoming part of the church family here at SBC, where from the very first day we were welcomed by a friendly caring fellowship.  I became church administrator initially to support the then Secretary.  I enjoy my role as Church Administrator/Secretary as it is an opportunity to use my admin skills to serve.  However, past experiences have shown that the Lord sometimes challenges us, so who knows where or how I may be serving Him in the future.