People
Matthew Clay
Pastor
Matthew was born in South Wales and grew up in West Sussex. When he was around the age of 12, he trusted in Jesus as Saviour which was the start of a life-long adventure serving his Lord.
While growing up, Matthew developed a keen interest in the natural world, so he studied the biological sciences at university, first in Portsmouth, then in Bangor. After spending a year in Africa learning about cross-cultural mission, the Lord provided an opportunity for him to work as a development scientist in a pharmaceutical company.
When the Lord called Matthew into full-time ministry, he studied at Oak Hill College for three years before heading up to north-west England to pastor a church where he served for over eight years. He came to be the pastor at Trinity Baptist church in 2021.
Matthew is married to Hannah and has two daughters. He continues to be fascinated in God’s creation and loves to explore the countryside searching for interesting creatures.
Matt Hopkins
Elder
Matt grew up locally, and although he was attending another local church with his family, they would come to Trinity Baptist Church for special events .
Matt would say the turning point in his faith journey was hearing a message from the Bible on a youth camp: "...God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
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University years and involvement in the Christian Union were particularly formative in understanding more about our Christian faith. Matt has been part of Trinity Baptist Church since 2014.
Matt is married to Liz and works locally in architecture. Football, running and DIY provide a welcome source of activity outside of work.
John McDonald
Church Secretary and Trustee
John was born and grew up in Cardiff where he and his wife Marion met as teenagers in a local Gospel hall where they both became believers in the Lord Jesus as 16-year-olds. They were married in 1971 and have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
John worked in Industry, Government service and finance before becoming CEO of Grace Baptist Mission for 12 years until retirement.
John is a lover of Rugby Union and most other sports and played for Tenterden Cricket Club till 2002.
John has been a member of Trinity Baptist Church since 1979 when he moved to Kent.