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Simon was born and bred in Leicester which explains his love for the Foxes (Leicester City). He started his working life in retailing with WH Smith and Mercury News until God called him to ministry in 1985.
 
Shortly after this he met Julia and they attended the Elim Bible College in Nantwich from 1992-1996 where Simon studied for his BA Honours degree in Theology and Christian Ministry. During this period they felt the call of God to plant a church in Crewe (New Life Community Church) in 1995, overseeing the purchase and conversion of a derelict shopping centre into the New Life Centre in 1998. He was ordained as an Elim Pentecostal pastor in 1999. In 2008 Simon became the Senior Pastor at Newcastle Elim church. During this period they bought and established the Newcastle Dream Centre. Simon also led the Elim festival camp and was a member of Elim's North-East Regional Team.

 

Simon joined BCC as our church leader in autumn 2021. Simon comments; “I've been a Christian for almost my entire life and God has brought me through all the highs and lows....it's not easy being a Christian and my heart is to encourage people on their spiritual journey by sharing from what I’ve have learned. I also believe that life is a big adventure and that God's desire is for us to live life to the full by each one of us discovering our purpose and living it out for Him.”

Simon and Julia have five children and six grand-children. His interests include running, football, watching sport and reading. Simon blogs at www.simonlawton.com and has written three books, “Imagine” (Trusting God like never before) , “Courage for the Discouraged” and "Pray Wait Trust" (What to do when God throws you a curveball).