The Team

Ian Stackhouse became the Senior Pastor of Millmead in 2004 and has been in ministry for over thirty years. He is married to Susanna and they have four sons who are at various stages of young adult life. Ian has authored four books—the Gospel Driven Church being his PhD thesis—and has contributed various other chapters and articles. As part of leading Millmead, he occasionally travels in the UK and overseas to support our World Partners, ministering in Churches, seminaries, conferences and retreats.

For relaxation Ian likes to go walking in the Surrey Hills, reading anything he can put his hands on, writing poetry (not very well), and singing anything from Bruce Springsteen to Bryn Terfel. He and his family are avid supporters of Burnley FC, which in recent years has changed from being a crushing burden into something of a blessing. One final thing: Ian is also unofficial IT consultant to the rest of the staff team!

Click here to find links to Ian’s publications.

Karen Case-Green joined Millmead in 1997 with her husband, Rob. She is involved in preaching, pastoral care, the creative arts and the Chapel’s rhythm of prayer. She also oversees Las Amigas, an outreach and discipleship group for Latin Americans in Guildford. Karen has co-authored Imaging the Story, a course which traces the salvation story through the lens of the arts, and has contributed to other books. Her passion is social justice. She also likes chocolate, Whitmoor Common and poetry.

Lydia Birmingham took up the role of Children’s and Families’ Pastor in 2016. She has attended Guildford Baptist Church since she was a baby. Lydia studied Art History at Bristol University, and as part of her degree, lived and studied in Florence. After graduating, she became the Children’s and Youth worker for a small Church in Bristol, but, eventually decided to specialise in Children’s work. Lydia is married to Sam and they have two young sons. She enjoys painting, baking and running.

Lydia is currently on maternity leave. Her role is being covered by Wendy Cook.

Elizabeth Hodkinson joined the Church in 1987, and has contributed to the preaching and teaching ministry for many years. Elizabeth enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and appreciating God’s creation – particularly birds. She keeps trying to take more exercise!

Chris Toms took up the role of Youth Pastor in 2015. He joined us after spending four years in ministry at Walton Baptist Church. He has a real passion for building relationships with young people to see them blossom in character and faith. He is married to Amy and they have three daughters. In his spare time, he loves to be outside and is a keen sportsman with a strong interest in football, rugby and the gym. He enjoys a good laugh and being surrounded by his nearest and dearest.