Meet the Leaders

New Life Church has a Leadership Team of 5 Elders, each of whom bring their unique blend of gifts, personality and experience to the task of envisioning, encouraging and pastoring the Church. A little bit of background is provided below - if you want to know more, feel free to grab them and ask!

Phil & Helen Sutherland

Phil & Helen have lived in Dorking since they got married over 20 years ago. They have four children, aged 5 to 17, and feel like life mainly involves running a transport service on their behalf. Phil works part-time for the Church and leads the eldership team. He also works for a consultancy firm as a Water & Environmental Advisor. Not to be outdone, Helen also has two jobs, working as a Speech & Language Therapist for Central Surrey Health and with Dorking Rural Sure Start Centre. Phil & Helen are involved in the development of our work with young people, both in the Church and more widely, working in partnership with other Churches across the town. 

David & Hazel Jewel

David & Hazel have lived in Dorking for over 25 years. David is an architect and until recently ran his own company in Dorking. He now works from home on a part-time basis on all kinds of schemes, but specialises in the restoration and/or extension of Church buildings. Hazel is a Music and Spanish teacher and currently teaches Spanish in a local school. Both of them love music and are often involved in concerts through their involvement in several local music groups. In the last couple of years David & Hazel have entered the world of grandparenthood and have thoroughly embraced the “joy without ultimate responsibility” that 3 grandchildren can bring.

Richard & Jo Taylor

Richard and Jo have 4 boys under 10 years of age! When they have the chance, Richard seeks out peace and quiet in his work as a Quantity Surveyor for a small construction firm in Dorking, while Jo seeks out some much needed female company. Jo is a qualified nurse but is currently fully occupied at home! Relaxation includes trying to stay calm on the touchline while watching the older boys playing football. Richard & Jo are working with Phil & Helen to develop and grow our work with teenagers within and outside of the Church.

Steve & Nicky Burgess

Steve & Nicky moved to Dorking from Horsham in 2009. He is a true “man of Kent” but has had to make do with living in Sussex and Surrey for many years now. He works for a lawn turf company and his various experiences of turf, trucks and customers have given him more than enough anecdotes for a very entertaining evening at the pub. Nicky currently works with children with significant learning delays. She also heads up the Children’s work in the Church. Between them, Steve and Nicky have been involved in many aspects of Church life, including running small groups, alpha and marriage courses. Steve has a particular passion to see men grow in their faith and take responsibility in all areas of their lives. 

Daf & Heidi Roberts

Daf & Heidi moved to Dorking in the 1990s when Daf started teaching in a local school. Daf is currently a Headteacher of a Primary School in Farnham. His main passions in life, in no particular order, are the Welsh Rugby team, his family, the Bible and Swansea City. Heidi is a nurse and juggles working part-time with looking after their 3 children. Daf shares a significant preaching and teaching role with several of the elders and he also currently oversees the Children’s work in the Church. Heidi is involved in leading the Children’s work and is part of our developing worship group.