There are 3 elders – Dave Harbertson, Ray Middleton and Joss Bray. Amazingly, they have complementary strengths – to cover their complementary weaknesses – so the team works very well. Joss leads the team, but the elders together oversee the affairs of the church and try to make sure people are cared for and safe, that teaching is bible based and relevant.

JOSS BRAY

Joss is one of the elders at Gateway Church Northumberland, He is also a doctor with a background in psychiatry, general practice and addictions and currently works in a prison helping people with drug and alcohol problems as well as supporting clinicians around the country in community drug and alcohol services. He is married to Gill – his excellent wife –  and he has two sons and (currently) three grandsons who are also excellent. He is interested in cars, motorbikes, shooting, playing music, and badminton. His dream was to own a classic Lotus (which has just been realised) – and also that God builds His church all over Northumberland – although not necessarily in that order.

DAVE HARBERTSON

Dave Harbertson became a Christian whilst in his teens, living in Lincoln. He is now a retired teacher of thirty eight years, is an avid golfer, a reader of crime novels and plays bridge and bowls. Alongside these, he has the misfortune of following the ups and downs of Lincoln City FC. Dave has a passion to see the church grounded and living according to the Word of God. Dave has two children, Alison and Steven, and five grandchildren. His wife, Jill, is now enjoying the very presence of God, worshipping the Saviour whom she served for many years.

RAY MIDDLETON

Ray Middleton, is married to Elizabeth and has two children and three grandchildren. Ray works as a Recovery Navigator for the addiction service Northumberland Recovery Partnership. He also writes and delivers training around how to best support people with complex trauma histories, for staff working in services. He is passionate about training staff, and draws on his lived experience of surviving the mental health system in the 1990. On his recovery journey, he found healing from trauma and hope, by asking Jesus to be Lord of his life, particularly finding forgiving others a liberating for experience. He also has a PhD in Mental Health.