Leaders & Staff
God has greatly blessed Cornerstone with many gifted, godly and grace-filled leaders and staff. Our role is to lead and equip God’s people for works of service, to build up the church.
Rupert Akhalu
(Ministry Worker on MDS)
Rupert grew up in East London before moving up to Nottingham in 2014 to study Computer Science. He worked as a software engineer for 5 years before joining the Ministry Development Scheme and has particular interests in church planting and revitalisation. When Rupert isn't studying theology, he can be found cooking for his beautiful wife, Vicky, or playing video games.
Beka Blake
(2nd Year Intern)
Beka grew up in Brighton and came to Nottingham in 2020 as a student at the University of Nottingham, where she studied Natural Sciences (Physics and Chemistry), alongside training in British Sign Language. As the children's Intern, she is involved in planning Ignite and being a part of Bible Workshops. She loves cooking, sewing, picnics, and drawing.
Mark Collins
(Elder)
Mark has been part of Cornerstone since coming to Nottingham as a student in 1998. He is married to Claire, and has two children. He works in Nottingham as a Civil Engineer.
Paul Couchman
(Elder)
Paul and his wife Katie have been members of Cornerstone since moving to Nottingham in 2000. They have two teenage children. Paul has been an elder on the leadership team since 2009.
Sarah Daniels
(Senior Operations Manager)
Sarah is originally from Derby and has a daughter named Lydia. She studied Tourism Management in Leeds and has worked in hospitality and events for a number of years. She joined the Cornerstone team in 2013 to work in office administration and is now the Senior Operations Manager.
Joel Davies
(Intern)
Joel started in August as the Youth Intern. He graduated from Cardiff University in Politics and International Relations during the summer of 2023 and then spent a year travelling. He enjoys playing football and hiking during his free time.
David Devadason
(Elder)
David has been attending Cornerstone since moving to the city in 2013. He enjoys working with Internationals, leads a Connect Group and became an elder in 2017. He is a consultant at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham.
Joff Gribbin
(Elder)
Joff and Clare first came to Cornerstone when they were students and thirty years on they are still here! They have three children and lead the mission coordinating group which oversees the support which the church gives to our overseas workers.
Spencer Hampton
(Director of Operations)
Spencer has been part of the staff team since 2003, and leads the management of our facilities, finances and operations. He is married to Liz, and they have two children, Joseph and Bethany.
Katrina Harper
(Director of Ministry)
Katrina first came to Cornerstone when she was a student in Nottingham studying Theology and then served as the Children's Intern for two years. Having worked as a Children and Families worker elsewhere for the last 5 years, Katrina is back to oversee the leading of our children's ministry.
Kathryn Jackson
(Director of Ministry)
Kathryn joined the team in 2014 having worked as a History teacher for eleven years. Kathryn oversees our women's and families' ministries at Cornerstone. She is married to Jonathan (better known as JJ) and has two children, Hattie and Seb.
Ben Kennedy
(Elder)
Ben and his wife Abi joined Cornerstone whilst studying medicine at the University of Nottingham. They have a big heart for cross cultural ministry and are involved in international student work at Cornerstone. Ben served the church for a year as a voluntary associate in 2022/23 and continues to work as a junior doctor.
Phil Moore
(Director of Ministry)
Phil is from Belfast, and first came to Cornerstone as a student in 2007. After a few years on the team at Cornerstone as an Intern, Phil served as the Assistant Minister of Lutterworth Church. Returning to Cornerstone in 2017, Phil leads the Youth and Music ministries and is actively involved in writing songs and leading worship at various conferences around the country. Phil is married to Gill and they have two children
John Russell
(Lead Minister & Elder)
John originally joined Cornerstone as a student, having moved to Nottingham to study Politics at university. Following a number of years working in local government, John joined the staff team in 2007, becoming Lead Minister in 2015. He has responsibility for leading the church and our leadership team. John is married to Catherine and they have a young family.
Teresa Samuel
(Office Secretary)
Teresa was born and raised in Namibia, home to the oldest desert in the world in South West Africa, and came to study at Nottingham Trent University in 2018. She graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2021. Teresa started attending Cornerstone since October 2018. She loves the city of Nottingham and its people but mostly the UK wet/cold weather!
Mike Shouler
(Accounts Assistant)
Mike is a retired accountant who has been working for Cornerstone for several years as our part time accounts assistant.
Elisabeth Simpson
(DBS Manager)
Elisabeth has been part of Cornerstone for many years, and has served on the staff team for a lot of that time. She helps ensure that we are doing our best to protect and safeguard the children, young people, and vulnerable adults in our church.
Ailie Smallwood
(Ministry Worker on MDS)
Ailie grew up in Dagenham and studied Theology at Oak Hill College in training for children's and youth ministry. She has joined Cornerstone on the Ministry Development Scheme, primarily serving in the Tots and Toys and GAP ministries. She's a big foodie and very open to recommendations!
Amanda Smart-Gosrani
(Director of Ministry)
Amanda is responsible for steering our pastoral co-ordination and other leadership responsibilites with church. She also plays a key role in the support and development of ministries of mercy that are led by Cornerstone, and those that are led by other churches and projects in Nottingham. Amanda leads a Connect Group with her husband, Tirin, and has three sons.
David Upton
(Ministry Worker on MDS)
David grew up in Leicester and studied History in London where he then worked as a secondary school teacher. He now leads the Student Ministry at Cornerstone church and is part of the Ministry Development Scheme. David is a huge Arsenal fan and is looking forward to topping the Cornerstone Church Fantasy Football League. He loves reading, coffee and time spent with his wife Ruth!
James Wallace
(Intern)
James joined Cornerstone in August as the student intern having graduated from Loughborough University, where he studied Aeronautical Engineering and worked as a medic. When not working he can be found doing sports, riding his motorbike, or playing piano.
Ollie Watkins
(Operations Assistant)
Ollie grew up in Southampton and moved to Nottingham to study Product Design, where he also met his wife, Amy. He first joined the team as the Children's & Youth Intern, and then briefly worked as a school DT Technician before returning to the staff team as the Operations Assistant.
Colin Webster
(Minister & Elder)
Colin joined the Cornerstone team as one of the ministers in 1996 following 3 years training at Moorlands Bible College. In addition to preaching and pastoring his main areas of responsibility are in encouraging the church in its evangelism and overseeing the worship team. He has led worship at various conferences such as Word Alive and the Keswick Convention and has written several worship songs.
