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 three children! 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!

Dave Tofts - Deacon & Finance Team Leader

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

About 15 years ago my husband and I were looking to move from Luton to Hitchin, however God had other plans,  We ended up moving to Shefford, becoming part of the church family here at SBC, where from the very first day we were welcomed by a friendly caring fellowship.  I enjoy my role as Church Administrator/Secretary as it is an opportunity to use my admin skills to serve.  Past experience has shown the Lord sometimes challenges us to serve Him and our community in different roles, so who knows where or how I may be serving Him in the future.

Patrick Fields - Deacon

My wife, Sue, and I arrived in Bedfordshire "temporarily" in 1987 and have been here ever since. We settled at SBC straightaway with our two young children and now have two grandchildren who also worship with us along with their parents.  Over the years, we have seen things done very differently as the church has adapted to meet the changing needs of the community we try to serve but one thing remains constant, the desire to follow Jesus and His teaching.