Leadership Team
Matthew Jones, Pastor
I became Pastor at Wall Heath Evangelical Free Church in 2013. Previously I had spent 15 years in commercial photography, 4 years in construction and 2 years training at London Theological seminary. I was born in Bristol, lived for 3 years in East Manchester, but eventually made the Black Country my home where I met and married Helen. We have 4 children, the middle 2 being twins, and they now live in Wombourne. I am a suffering supporter of Bristol City Football Club, big fan of coffee, history, growing trees, keeping poultry, construction projects and the yearly visit to the drag racing.
Martyn Orton, Elder and Church Secretary
Alison and I moved to Wall Heath in 1991 and soon settled at WHEFC. I grew up in Birmingham and Alison grew up in Preston, Lancashire. We met at Chester College in 1981. We have three children and five grandchildren. I am a retired Modern Foreign Languages teacher.
I love music, gardening and DIY. I’ve recently developed an interest in model railways and have recently built my first layout! I’m an armchair Wolves supporter and my favourite TV programmes currently are All Creatures Great and Small and The Repair Shop.
Martin Tromans, Elder
I have been a member of WHEFC since 2010. I am married to Sharon, and we have three children, all now grown up and serving the Lord, and two grandchildren. I have worked as a trainer for Openreach since 1989. I am a Wolves fan and guitarist (of sorts).
Matt Tromans, Elder
I’ve been at Wall Heath for 12 years. My wife Jess and I met here and got married here 11 years ago. We have 2 children, Oscar and Cassidy. I’ve served on the leadership here for the last 5 years. Outside of church life I’m a driving instructor and support the most magnificent local team, the mighty Wolves.
Martin Yates, Elder
I have been part of the Wall Heath church family since the early 1990s. I was an elder during the mid-90s until 2001 when I moved to become an assistant manager and education and activities co-ordinator at Quinta Christian Centre. I returned to Wall Heath in 2008 and after a short time became an elder once more. I am married to Ro and have two sons and a daughter who have all flown the nest. I am an English teacher at secondary and sixth form levels, and my two big passions are art and poetry. I love to delve into the rich language of the Bible and other Christian literature and, perhaps unsurprisingly, my favourite book of the Bible is the Psalms.
Simon Evans, Deacon
I'm a service engineer for a fire protection company and have been attending WHEFC, along with my lovely family, since 2002.
I'm a consistently disappointed fan of West Bromwich Albion and the England Cricket Team and enjoy foreign travel, walking and the summer!
Likes: Seafood, Springsteen, BBC Four, Steinbeck, fruit cake, beaches, Philip Yancey, Radiohead.
Pet hates : drizzle, doughnuts, winter, game shows, Coldplay, parsnips.
Julian Day, Deacon
I’ve been attending WHEFC since I moved to the village with my wife, Anne-Marie in 1999. I work from my office in the village for an international software company, specialising in safety and security, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I’m also busy with the management of the church tech, such as the PA/Sound, networking and so on. If I have a free evening, you might find that I’ve gone to Wolf Mountain for some indoor climbing, probably with one or both of my older 2 (of 3) sons.
Joe Jones, Deacon
We moved to New Life Church Wall Heath when I was around 11 years old. This is where I met my beautiful wife, Rosie - we are now the proud parents of our first child. We also have a lovely fat cat named Chunky.
I serve as a Deacon within the church, overseeing the maintenance of the building and facilities, but also have an active role in various other ministries.
During the week, I work as a Structural Engineer in Birmingham. When not at work, I enjoy playing/listening to music, watching films and playing most sports but particularly golf and football. I also support West Bromwich Albion FC, come on you Baggies!
Rosie Jones, Deacon
I have been attending NLCWH with my Mom, Dad and older sister since the age of 6 (back in 2002!). This is where I met my husband, Joe, when his family moved to the Church, and his Dad became the Pastor.
Joe & I have been married since 2021 and our baby daughter was born on 31st July 2025!
I work for the NHS, as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, supporting adults with anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and phobias. I absolutely love my job, and find it hugely rewarding.
At NLCWH, I have found such a loving Church family, and I love being part of such a supportive body of believers.
I sing in the worship band, help to lead services, teach within the young people’s Bible study group – SALT, and have recently become a Deacon, overseeing the work of Kids Church, for our children aged from birth to Year 6!
I consider it a huge privilege to be able to serve God in Church every Sunday, and do my best to show His love and compassion to those around me during the week too!
Wendy Schipper, Deacon
I have lived in Wall Heath since I was 10 years old and started attending the church not long afterwards. I became a Christian in my early teens and went on to do youth work at the church after that. I am now involved in leading worship and missions support. I organise the yearly Christmas shoebox appeal collection.
I’m mom to Billy who is nearly 18. I’ve been a single mom after losing my husband when Billy was a baby. I volunteer with Care For The Family, Befriending for the Widowed service. Now Billy is grown up and I have a bit more time I’m planning to be involved in women’s pastoral care. I hope this will allow me to spend more time doing my favourite things: chatting, drinking tea and eating cake whilst encouraging people to grow in their faith.
I have worked in Health Record at the local hospital for 30 years. When I’m not at work I love listening to all kinds of music, knitting (for the shoeboxes) and watching TV, especially murder mysteries, Strictly and the Traitors.
Charlotte Taylor, Deacon
I have been part of New Life Church since I was 9 years old, way back in 1995! From the moment I stepped through the doors, I felt at home and it is still very much home. I serve on our Welcome Team, Kids Church and Connect (youth group), and also as a Deacon. During the week, I work as a University Lecturer where I teach and supervise doctoral researchers while also doing my own research.
Like Pastor Matt, I am also very fond of a decent cup of coffee. On work from home days, you’ll find me at The Olive Branch, our wonderful community café. Black filter coffee please! I also love musical theatre, running, and travelling the world with Oak Hall where I serve on team leading summer holidays.