Our Leadership

Tim Ambrose, Phil Watts, Brian Turner and David Hardway all share the leadership as elders.

Jill Watts works for the church two days a week.

Tim Ambrose

Jane and I moved to Tipton in 2006. Having served the church as assistant pastor I stepped up to take the lead in the team of elders here at Grace in 2011.


Before coming to Tipton we were at Oak Hill College and members of Spicer Street, St Alban’s. Before that I was engaged in gospel work at St Luke’s in Wolverhampton, where we were married.

We’ve three children: Simeon, Evie and Titus. We’re all big fans of the Tipton Sports Academy, Bilston Swimming Club and Tipton’s Greggs Outlet!


We’ve varying numbers of chickens, quails and guinea pigs, plus two budgies and a corn-snake called Gordon.

Most of all though we are amazingly privileged to belong to Jesus Christ. We long to see others come to know Him for themselves and to grow in the new life He gives.

David Hardway

I joined Grace Church in 2015 and became an elder in 2022. I grew up in North Wales and it was studying music at the University of Wolverhampton that brought me to the West Midlands.

I own and manage a performing arts school with my wife, Rachel. We have two children; Rebekah and Hannah. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy playing board games, watching films and reading books.

I am regularly being challenged to grow in my love and faithfulness to the Lord in fresh ways. More and more I am learning to delight in my heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ because of His Spirit’s work in me. I love seeing Him at work in my family, the church family and in all those He’s calling to Himself. 

Phil Watts

I have lived in Tipton all my life. I grew up through Princes End Baptist Church and became a Christian at the age of 15. I was part of the leadership when that church merged with Glebefields Centre Church to form Grace Community Church in 2002.

I work as a lawyer (practising charity and education law) and am married to Jill. We have two grown up children and four grandchildren.

In church I head up the team who lead Brigade, our youth work for children and young people aged 5 to 18 years.

Outside church I enjoy spending time with family, folk dancing and going to the theatre.

I am passionate about maintaining an evangelical ministry in Princes End which actively shares and demonstrates the good news of Jesus.

Brian Turner

Carol and I have always lived here in the local area and joined Grace Church in 2002 when our two churches merged.  We have two daughters (grown up now). We have guinea pigs and rabbits and we breed tropical fish - with varying degrees of success!  In a very small way, I also enjoy N gauge model railways (no pun intended).

I’ve worked variously as a BT Telephone Engineer, been self-employed as a Driving Instructor, established a Childminding Network for Sandwell MBC, studied for a degree in integrated Childhood Studies at Worcester University and been an OFSTED registered childminder.

I love music, singing and playing guitar. It’s great to be able to use that gift as part of the larger Music Team here at Grace Church to praise the Lord Jesus Christ to whom we are so grateful and to encourage our church family.

Jill Watts

[Jill coordinates care for those housebound or hospitalised. She helps connects people, particularly women, to church so they can hear & explore the good news of Jesus for themselves. She also helps encourage our women in their witness and in growing as Christian women.]

I'm a Tipton girl born and bred and a founding member at Grace. I’ve been blessed to be able to work in a focussed way for the church since Spring 2022. 

I’m married to Phil, we have 2 grown up children and 4 grandchildren who bring us enormous joy, blessing, laughter (as well as bouts of exhaustion!!).

I’m also a leader in the Anchors section of Brigade - for 5-8 year olds which is great fun!

I love cooking - often experimenting with random food combinations in my fridge/ freezer and cupboards, playing games and dabbling with gardening

I am blessed that I have had the privilege of knowing Almighty God as my Father and Lord for over 40 years and yet I continue to be amazed by Him as I learn more and more of His wonderful plan. It brings me great joy to tell others of Him, encourage and support others to keep on going especially through the really tough times we all face, holding on to the hope we have for eternity with Him.