Mags and Matthew were both bought up in Christian families.  Matthew was born and raised in Bedfordshire, Mags was born in Essex and grew up in Streatham and York.  Matthew made the decision to follow Jesus when he was 13; Mags when she was ll.  They met at University where Mags was studying theology and Matthew was studying Law.  After university Mags qualified as a primary school teacher and Matthew worked as a Solicitor.  They married in 1998 and have three young children.

 Matthew has been in full-time church leadership since 2002 and has led churches in Essex, Cambridgeshire and Derbyshire, his work includes time spent in a prison chaplaincy role.  This is Mags’ first formal ministerial appointment; she was ordained at Oakes in November 2011.

 Both Mags and Matthew (increasingly known as ‘M & M’ to the congregation at Oakes!) are approachable and friendly, but watch out for Matthew’s dry sense of humour!  When they’re not working they both enjoy playing badminton (enthusiastically rather than well) and Mags is also a keen singer and saxophonist.

 Something you may not know about Mags:  She can wiggle her ears

Something you may not know about Matthew:  He used to be a qualified snooker referee.