Sanctuary Leadership Team
Sanctuary is led by a dedicated Church Leadership Team of five. They oversee the Trustee Board, which manages the charitable side of the church, as well as the various Team Leads who help bring the fullness of church life together. Each of our Leadership Team members serves voluntarily, working outside the church and giving their time and energy to help guide Sanctuary’s mission and ministry.
David Vickers – Senior Leader
Born in Ghana and raised in Tyneside and Hertfordshire, David returned to the North East in 1988 when his company relocated. He retired from business in 2024. David has been part of Sanctuary Church since 2015, becoming a trustee in 2017. In November 2021, much to his surprise, David was appointed Senior Leader. Alongside his wife Karen, he also directs the Northumbrian Centre of Prayer for Christian Healing. David’s approach to leadership centres on servanthood and creating an environment where others can flourish. He sees his role as helping the people of Sanctuary grow into all they are called to be.
Contact: david@sanctuarychurch.uk
Carl Harris – Leader
Originally from Skegness, Lincolnshire, Carl moved to the North East in 2012. His life was changed in 2010 when he encountered Jesus in a church in Scarborough. Carl has a passion for seeing God’s word at work, transforming people’s lives. His desire is to help others grow into a full revelation of who they are in Christ and understand how deeply they are loved by Father God.
Contact: carl@sanctuarychurch.uk
Leah Harris – Leader
Leah, originally from America, is the wife of Carl and mother to David, Hope, and Micah. She is passionate about family, fellowship and fun. Leah’s heart is to see the family of God operating together in unity as the body of Christ. She encourages everyone to find their unique place and purpose, knowing that each person has a special role to play in God’s Kingdom.
Contact: leah.h@sanctuarychurch.uk
Abi Bryant – Leader
Abi grew up in Scarborough and moved to Newcastle for university in 2012. She and her husband Tom settled in Whitley Bay to raise their family, and began attending Sanctuary in 2019. In 2022 Abi and Tom joined the Leadership Team, feeling called to help lead Sanctuary. She is passionate about making sure everyone feels welcomed, with the opportunity to engage in authentic relationships, and be connected and supported as they grow on their walk with God.
Contact: abi@sanctuarychurch.uk
Tom Bryant- Leader
Tom moved to the North East in 2012 and began attending Sanctuary Church with his wife Abi in 2019. In 2022, Tom joined the Leadership Team, feeling called to help guide the church in its mission. He is passionate about seeing local churches make a meaningful impact in their communities. Through teaching and discipleship, Tom desires to equip believers to live out their faith and bring transformation wherever they go.
Contact: tom@sanctuarychurch.uk
Sanctuary Team Leads
Alongside the Leadership Team there are many others who enable the life of the church to run smoothly.
Trustees
David Vickers
James Longfield
Leah Roberts
Kirsty Southhall
Ifeanyi Akazue
Team Leads
Sanctuary Kids – Leah Roberts
Welcome Team – Kirsty Southall
Hospitality – Karen Vickers
Worship Team – David Vickers
Tech – Carl Harris
Prayer – James & Jenny Longfield
Administration – Lydia Roy