OUR Leadership Team

The Leadership Team is led by Church Leader Russ Parkes and includes Maggie Parkes, Steve Warburton and Dave Key.

Russ and Maggie Parkes

Russ became a Christian in 1977 after a period of searching without knowing what he was looking for. A dramatic conversion and call to leadership eventually led to him training at Spurgeon’s College London. During this time the Open Door Church was planted.

Russ is married to Maggie and they have three grown up daughters, Rachel, Joanne and Hannah. They are grandparents to Eden and Esther, courtesy of Rachel and Dave; and now also to Reuben, born 30 December 2010 to Hannah and Mick.

Russ and Maggie married in 1978 and have always had an open home. Their first home together was in Derby where they were often having people to stay, some for short periods of time, others for extended periods, and would host meetings. They were passionate about helping those who needed the love and support of others to become true disciples of Jesus Christ, understanding that the discipleship process is a 7 day a week activity. The arrival of their three children did not stop this process, and the girls grew up in a home with frequent houseguests! 

Russ and Maggie are completely sold out for the church and are committed to building firm foundations for a church that will outlive them.  They support each other well having learned to identify and accept their respective weaknesses and strengths. They encourage others to do the same helping to build strong teams.

Steve Warburton

Steve Warburton, an educational consultant by profession, has shared in leadership with Russ since the birth of the Church in 1989, most significantly in leading worship. He passionately shares the vision for a Church that engages with the broken world it is ministering within. Steve brings a wisdom and creative contribution to the team and makes a wonderful service leader.

He is married to Sarah and they have three children Sophie, Isaac and Caleb. Steve, son of a Baptist Minister, and Sarah, daughter of an Anglican Minister, are multi-talented, servant-hearted believers who fit more into a day than many of us put together! Their home is always open and often full!

Dave Key

Dave joined the Leadership Team in 2011.

Dave was invited to the Open door Church in 1999 by a work colleague, immediately felt at home and decided to follow Jesus the same day! Originally from Wisbech, he moved to Peterborough to be closer to the church and his work. His background includes serving as an infantry soldier in the British Army as well as management positions in civilian jobs. 

Dave has grown as a disciple and developed his character and gifts over the years by faithfully serving in different teams and groups to support the growth of the church and its people. In 2007, faced with redundancy, he took a huge step of faith and abandoned his career choosing instead to pioneer the opening of our CAP Centre.

Dave is married to Rachel and they have two beautiful daughters Eden and Esther. Dave heads up our community outreach teams and is involved in the day-to-day leadership of the Open Door Church contributing upfront on Sundays by leading services and some occasional preaching. Dave's favourite things include cheese and pickle sandwiches, walking, badminton, hearing from God in the garden ... and singing very loudly!