About us
Our Leaders
Derek Punchard
Moderator
After preparing for Baptist ministry at Spurgeon’s College, Derek began his ministry in 1964 at Drummond Road Baptist Church in Bermondsey, part of the group of churches in fellowship with the Metropolitan Tabernacle. In 1968 he moved to Brazil where he served with his wife Joanna for 36 years with BMS World Mission, remaining there in ministry for a further 12 years before returning to England in 2015. He is now an associate minister (Baptist) at Church on the Heath (Kings Heath Northampton), and has been a founder member and pastor/moderator at Harpole Baptist Church since its reconstitution in March 2020.
Juliano Castro
Pastor and church's leader
After dedicating himself to pastoral ministry and community leadership, Juliano Castro has been actively serving in Harpole Baptist Church, playing a crucial role in its revitalization and community outreach efforts. With a strong commitment to spiritual guidance, social impact, and community restoration, he has led various initiatives focused on supporting families, mentoring young people, and assisting vulnerable individuals.
His leadership has been instrumental in rebuilding the church community, helping to reestablish a place of worship and support for many who had lost connection with faith and fellowship. Through mentorship, counseling, and community service, he has created a welcoming environment where individuals and families find emotional, spiritual, and practical support.
His work extends beyond the church walls, engaging with the broader community to provide guidance, aid, and encouragement to those in need.
His unwavering dedication to pastoral care, community development, and spiritual leadership continues to make a profound difference in the lives of many, ensuring that Harpole Baptist Church remains a beacon of faith, hope, and transformation.
Colin Wilkinson
Secretary
My name is Colin Wilkinson and I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour during my time at Nottingham University. The Lord has been so good to me ever since, all through many happy times and many challenging times. I live in the village of Harpole and feel it is right to worship at a church in one’s immediate community. So I love being a member of this church and look forward to the day when we can worship using the village Baptist chapel where the Lord has worked so many blessings and miracles in recent years. As a parish councillor I believe this church has an important part to play in the life of this village. The chapel will form an excellent base from which to serve our growing community.
