About Our Church
"We want to reach people for Jesus and help his followers grow to be like him" Our LeadersContact UsOur Mission & Vision
Our vision and mission is to help connect people to faith
The church was planted in the autumn of 1938 as a mission outreach from Millbrook Baptist church, with a more suitable building being constructed in 1959. We outgrew the current setup in 1991, with the building of Phase 1 commencing in 1994. A number of members attended a brick-laying course to get it started.
Phase 1 was completed in April 1997 and comprises a sports hall, a creche, pre-school room, a toilet for the disabled, showers, children’s toilets, counselling room, office and two group work/training rooms.
Phase 2 of our building programme was completed in February, 2008. Phase 2 was intended to be a sanctuary and other facilities that would seat 300. It seemed clear that a 300-seater would be too small, possibly even before it was finished. So the plans were revised to seat 500 instead. Whilst Phase 2 was under construction the morning service was moved to local Abbotswood School as it became impossible to fit everyone in the Phase 1 hall.
Jesus’ mission statement in Luke 4:18-19 indicates that he has come to bring about change in people’s lives. As God seeks to change the world one life at a time, we want to be partners in this work of transformation. Our vision for the future is one of continued life change, in us, and through us.
Who are we?
We are an Evangelical Christian church that aims to “reach people for Jesus and help his followers grow to be like him”. We’ll seek to do that by continuing to become; Stronger through worship, warmer through fellowship, broader through ministry, larger through evangelism and deeper through discipleship.
Why are we?
Jesus’ mission statement in Luke 4:18-19 indicates that he has come to bring about change in people’s lives. As God seeks to change the world one life at a time, we want to be partners in this work of transformation. Our vision for the future is one of continued life change, in us and through us.
How can that be seen?
The following characteristics are evident; A heart to serve the community, an openness to the work of the Holy Spirit, communicating timeless biblical truth in relevant ways, contemporary worship, being inclusive and valuing all ages and everyone playing a part in church life.
“We want to reach people for Jesus and help his followers grow to be like him”
– Testwood Mission Statement
Who We Are
Our Staff Team
Our church has so many great people that contribute in a variety of different ways. We certainly recognise that each member plays an important role because God has made us unique with different skills and personalities
(1 Corinthians 12)
The church also has a dedicated Board of Trustees made up of Elders and Deacons
Matt Huckle
Senior Pastor
Matt is married to Emma and they have three children, Jonah, Lucy and Ava. Matt likes football and supports Southampton Football Club. Matt has a passion for growing leaders and supporting the church as it steps into that which God has in store. Matt loves to preach and teach God’s word and has served at Testwood for over 10 years.
Email matt:
Colin Clark
Assistant Pastor
Colin is currently serving as the part time Assistant Pastor, overseeing ministries such as Small Groups and Pastoral Care. Colin has been married to Daphne for 51 years and they have 2 sons and 7 grandchildren. Colin really enjoys spending time with his family and is a life long supporter of West Ham football club.
Email Colin:
Scott Rushby
Youth Pastor
Scott is married to Sarah and they have a dog called Gulliver. Scott has a passion for God’s word and seeing young people grow in their walk with Jesus. Scott loves kayaking and golf and is always full of enthusiasm and energy.
Email Scott:
Sarah John
Children's Pastor
Sarah is married to Paul and they have 3 children, Leah, Joel and Neve. Sarah is super creative and always has great ideas. Sarah knows how to teach God’s word in a way that children can really pick it up. Sarah especially loves coming up with great ideas for services (her favourite is Christmas nativities).
Email Sarah:
Janice Tuck
Evangelism Pastor
Janice has faithfully served in the church for over 20 years and watched the church grow and go through many different seasons. Janice loves helping people find ways into church and ways into an understanding of who God is and how much he loves them. Janice likes stationery and being creative with craft.
Email Janice:
Jim Shepherd
Worship and Media Pastor
Jim is married to Jessica and they have two sons, Christian and Elijah. Jim loves to play guitar and write songs too. Jim loves encouraging musicians, singers and technicians to grow in their gifting and to be passionate about serving God. Jim supports Leicester City Football Club.
Email Jim:
Andy Gardiner
Operations Manager
Andy is married to Jenny and they have been attending the church for many years. Andy knows where everything is. He has a keen eye for logistics and is able to skillfully keep a multitude of things running well. He and Jenny love to go camping in their trailer tent.
Email Andy:
Nathan Parry
Operations Assistant
Nathan works with Andy and across other areas and ministries. “If you want something doing and doing well, he’s your man.” Nathan is multiskilled and always happy to support projects and initiatives. Nathan is a small group leader and also serves on the worship team. Nathan is a brilliant drummer and sound technician and such a blessing to the church family.
Email Nathan:
Katrina Elkins
Administrator
Katrina is married to John and they have been serving in the church together for many years. Katrina is passionate about administration and communications. Katrina has a keen eye for detail and works hard to keep the church informed about what’s happening. Katrina loves spending time with her family, especially looking after her granchildren. Katrina is passionate about God’s church and God’s people and does a great job leading the hub coffee shop team.
Email Katrina:
Megan Murray
Pastoral Care Assistant
Megan has a pastoral heart and loves people. Megan often visits people and always makes sure that those who need encouragement, get it. Megan co-ordinates the pastoral care team and supports the important work of the small group leaders. Megan loves spending time with her grandchildren.
Email Megan:
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the church?
Testwood Baptist Church can be found at 283a, Salisbury Road, Totton, SO40 3LZ. For more information, including where to park, please visit the Find Us page.
Where can I park?
There is a car park round the back of the church. However there will also be parking attendants who will be able to sign-post you to overflow parking.
What will happen when I arrive?
We are a friendly church and everyone is welcome, regardless of background. When you come into the church building, you will be greeted at the door by a member of the welcome team in a blue t-shirt. The services on a Sunday start at 9.30am, 11:15am and 6:30pm once per month at our communion and healing service (10.30am only for summer Sundays throughout August). Most morning services last about an hour, or a little longer on the 3rd Sunday of the month when we take communion together in the morning service. The evening services may last a little longer. The services have a contemporary feel and will normally consist of singing, some prayers and an easy to listen to talk. If you need to leave during a service, no-one will mind if you slip out discreetly. There is also an area called the Hub where you can go and sit and watch the service on the TV screen. If you’d like to know what the talks are like, you can listen to previous messages online before you come. There is no assigned seating within the church; you can sit where you like, or if you are not sure where to go a steward will be happy to help you. After the morning services tea, coffee and squash are served from the Hub. Please feel free to visit the Welcome Desk in the reception area to find out more about our weekly activities and pick up a welcome pack.
Is there a children’s & youth programme?
There is a very popular youth and children’s department at Testwood and we look forward to welcoming your child to one of our groups on a Sunday morning. We cater from babies right up to school year 6. We also have a youth department group called Encounter for school years 7 to 11 that meets in the coffee bar during the morning service. All our leaders are DBS checked.
Will I be asked to give any money?
There will be an offering as part of our worship service, but don’t feel embarrassed, as there is no obligation for people attending to give. Many church members contribute directly through their bank accounts so you won’t be the only one who doesn’t donate on the day. There are ways to give online if you would like to donate to the ongoing work of the church. See our ‘Donate’ page under the ‘Contact Us’ tab at the top.
What if I have other questions?
We would love to hear from you with any queries, questions or comments you might have, so please do get in touch. Alternatively please continue to explore our website for more information about goes on at Testwood Baptist Church.