Alan Brand
Alan is our Family Pastor and has been with us since 1st June 2009. He is married to Tammy and they have three children, Faith (aged 5), Reuben (aged 4) and Benjamin (born on 11th February 2010)
Alan was born in Stockton and lived on Hardwick Estate for the first few years of his life, just 3 doors away from Hardwick Baptist Church where he attended each week and as he grew up, progressed through the various childrens' and youth organisations. Alan was especially involved in the Boys Brigade, where he came to faith, inviting Jesus into his life on BB camp at Redmire in 1988, aged 11.
Alan's parents had bought a house in Norton in 1985 and the family (including younger siblings Paul & Helen) lived in the village for 10 years, from Alan being 8 years old 'til he went to University.
Alan studied the 6 'Major Living Religions' (Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism & Judaism), with Philosophy of Religion & Applied Social Studies at the University of York's Campus in Scarborough, graduating with a 2:1 in 1998. Alan had his heart set on being a Police Officer; God had a different plan!
Alan began working with young people in a variety of contexts and has been doing so ever since! Staying in Scarborough for a few years Alan managed a Youth Ministry called 'Open Arms' which was an alcohol-free bar in the 'old town' area, he spent a year training with 'Sidewalk' a detached youth project in the town where he gained a huge amount of insight and experience further laying the foundations for the career that lay ahead of him. Alan also worked with Faith in Scarborough Schools (F.I.S.S) taking the gospel in a fun & relevant way to young people every day!
Alan moved to Harrogate in March 2001, where he was appointed Youth Worker / Manager of a larger youth venue, 'HYPeR'. It was during his time in Harrogate that Alan met Tammy (who had moved from Cape Town, South Africa with her Mom and two younger brothers Joshua & Tristan) to cut a VERY LONG story short, they fell in love and were married in November 2002.
Alan & Tammy had planned to live in Tirgu Mures, Romania after getting married (Alan had experienced missions in Romania, had fallen in love with the place and the gypsy people, and remains passionate about them to this day!). Again, however, God had a different plan. Alan was appointed as Youth Pastor in the Rivers Team Ministry, 4 Anglican churches on the Rotherham / Sheffield border, in the villages of Catcliffe, Brinsworth, Treeton & Tinsley. It soon became clear why God had wanted Alan & Tammy to stay in the UK. Soon after moving to Rotherham, Tammy & Alan were given Parental Responsibility for Joshua & Tristan who came to live with them for a number of years.
October 2004 saw the birth of Faith, and the following Summer, Alan and the family moved back to the Tees Valley to be closer to Alan's family. In May 2006 Reuben was born. Alan served as Youth Pastor at Oxford Road Baptist Church, Hartlepool for 3 years, and during this time saw great growth amongst the young people, particularly through the school's ministry.
God clearly led Alan and his family to Norton Baptist Church, of that we are in no doubt. The leadership and church meeting unanimously agreed to call Alan to serve on the staff team as 'Family Pastor' and we look forward to what lies ahead as we journey together!
