He comes from an unchurched background, coming to faith in the Cairngorms of Scotland as a trainee outdoor pursuits instructor. Life taking a different trajectory he became an ordained church minister. His first church involved pioneering on an urban housing estate on Teesside before moving on to lead a large charismatic, evangelical church in the city of Sunderland. He moved on from local church ministry in the early 90’s to be one of the leaders of the Northumbria Community, a new monastic community that now has Companions and Friends across the world.

Roy’s ministry and interests have taken him far and wide across Europe, working in many different contexts, primarily within the church and charitable sectors but speaking also into the ‘public square’. A popular speaker, writer, leadership mentor, spiritual director, retreat leader and advisor, he is passionate about encouraging people to know the transforming love of God, helping them to realise their potential and encouraging people to love both God and neighbour and live generously. A graduate of Lebanon Bible College, Berwick-Upon, Tweed, and Cardiff and Newcastle Universities, he is a Fellow of St. John’s College, Durham, an Associate Tutor at Spurgeons College, London, a member of the Renovare Board in Britain and Ireland and an associate of The Commons Co-operative.

He is happily married and lives in Newcastle and is chuffed to bits to have four children and eight grandchildren, all of whom he loves and enjoys spending time with together with his many friends. He enjoys sport and is thankful still to be able to play tennis, badminton, pickleball, golf, curling and exploring the North East on his bike.