Meet Our Team
Linda Donaldson: Regional Minister Team Leader
Born and brought up near Edinburgh, Linda has worshipped in NBA churches since 1986, working first as a physiotherapist, mainly in Newcastle, before being called to Baptist Ministry and serving in two of our NBA churches, and also as Northern Baptist College Hub Tutor the last 5 years.
Linda’s passion is to see God’s people released, enabled and equipped to take up their part in the God’s mission. She will be supporting churches, ministers, and pioneers in the south of the association and have oversight of settlement, Ministry and formation and is excited by the opportunity to embed the NBA Vision and values alongside Revd Johnny Pozzo, the NBA Team & Trustees.
In her spare time, Linda enjoys hanging out with friends and walking with her Yorkshire Terrier.
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Johnny Pozzo: Regional Minister: Team Leader
After 25 years serving in local multicultural church ministry and
church planting, Johnny and his wife Kate moved from London to the
beautiful Northeast in January 2023. Johnny works alongside Linda,
the NBA team, the Council, churches and pioneers to help grow and
strengthen the NBA’s vision and values. He enjoys encouraging and
supporting churches and ministers in engaging in their part in God’s
work and mission. He is responsible for the churches and ministers in
the northern part of the region. Away from work Johnny enjoys
watching sport—especially football—listening to live music, and
making the most of the stunning coastal pathways.
Hannah Rowan: Administrator
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​Hannah is the first point of contact and communication for the NBA, managing emails, calls, NBA news and undertaking administrative tasks to support the rest of the team. Alongside her time at the NBA, Hannah is undertaking children & youth focused theological training at Cranmer Hall to support her voluntary role as Young Church Co-ordinator at Westgate Baptist Church in Newcastle upon Tyne.
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Dan Holland: Children, Youth and Families Facilitator and Safeguarding Lead
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Dan is our focal point for all Children, Youth and Families (CYF) workers within the NBA. He is responsible for developing a network of support and encouragement for those serving CYF in the NBA churches and missional communities.
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Dan is also the Safeguarding Lead within the NBA and the first point of contact for churches in the NBA with safeguarding queries and concerns. Dan oversees safeguarding training, being the lead trainer for delivering Level 2 and 3.
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Chris Friend: Mission & Pioneer Development Facilitator
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Chris facilitates and supports the growth of both new and existing missional initiatives within the NBA, in particular journeying alongside our smaller churches and communities to engage in meaningful, sustainable mission that reflects God’s transformative love.
Chris brings a passion for mission and pioneering, alongside a deep commitment to helping the local Church dwell, discern, discover, and join in with what God is already doing across our region. With a proven track record in missional leadership, he offers a wealth of experience, a collaborative spirit, and creative vision.
Chris has lived in the Northeast nearly all his life, and has been involved in pioneering ministry through Alnwick Baptist Church for 24 years, firstly as a Community Worker and now as Co-Minister alongside his wife, Caroline.
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Connect With Us
NBA Registered Office:
Westgate Baptist Church
366 Westgate Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 6NX
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E-Mail: admin@thenba.org.uk
07543 553182 (Hannah Rowan)
Administration Hours: Wed-Fri 9.30am-2.30pm