The pioneering, miraculously assembled
i61m Team
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John Kirkby

Founder

Officially Dr John Kirkby CBE, but much prefers 'Johnny Boy'. 3 times winner Sunday Times best leader. Honorary Doctor of Bradford Uni. Founder of Christians Against Poverty.

John had tough life after his father died. He was arrested while debt collecting and charged with aggravated theft when a repossession went wrong in the 80's. Praise God he was eventually found not guilty and is now a front line Police chaplain with Leeds west. Only God !

John took up the personal challenge to share Jesus when God gave him Isaiah 61:1, and has founded i61m to to see every Christian confidently doing the same.

Matt Scott

Creative & Digital

Matt bumped into John at a crossroads on a family walk. The rest is history. If it's digital, creative or stops working properly, Matt's in the middle of it. He loves people as much as he loves design in all it's forms.

Dave Parkinson

Church Partnerships

If you don't know Dave, you're probably in the minority. He's wonderful. His ability to connect and relate to leaders around the country makes him a vital part of our Church partnership dream team.

Wendy Parkinson

Mission Engagement

Wendy is the perfect asset for our mission engagement team. She's a super connector and loves people. Championing i61m at events, connecting with those in our movement and helping their i61 journey.

Teresa Lasky

Church Partnerships

A divine prompting confirmed Teresa belonged at i61m. Pastoral, relational, she's the perfect person for our Church Partnership team.

Luke Goss

Fundraising

Luke's specialities are strategic planning & evaluation, fundraising, project management, CSR & ESG implementation. We love his dedication in all parts of his life, and his ability to discern God's voice through it all.

Heather Thomson

Accounts & Giving

Heather has a rare and invaluable combination of financial experience. She has managed accounts working in both the private and charity sectors. She brings a warmth to the numbers, and is a joy to have as part of the team.

Meet our amazing
Trustees
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Lian Jacobs

Chair of Trustees

Lian is the Director of the Christian girls charity ‘Canaan Project’ based in East London. She has been a Trustee since 2023, and Chair since 2026. Lian is passionate about seeing the church share life, share faith and share Jesus.
 

Simon Benham

Trustee

Simon is senior pastor of multi-site Kerith Community Church and loyal friend to John. His spiritual and practical wisdom and insight into Churches and leadership continues be invaluable.

Adele York

> Trustee

Adele met John in 2003, working for CAP. They soon became friends and Adele had a real heart to intercede for John and led his intercessory team there. Adele now owns a Boutique B&B and Christian retreat in York. She has a huge passion for evangelism and discipleship and so i61m is a fabulous fit for her gifting and experience.

Mark Rowley

> Trustee

Mark leads the Church Partnership section of Christians Against Poverty and first met John through his work at CAP. Now close friends (and enduring the ups and downs of following Bradford City together), Mark has a huge passion for the local church and the role it plays in the work of i61m.

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