Ian, known as “Mitch,” was born in Oxford and christened into the Church of England. He grew up as a nominal Christian and sang as a choirboy in his early years.

Mitch is married and has one adult daughter. Following their marriage in 1981, he and his wife settled in Grove, near Wantage.

In December 1984, the couple had a life-changing encounter with Jesus and were baptised together the following year. They went on to join a vibrant house church in the village, which later became Vale Elim Church—now led by Mitch.

A passion for studying Scripture led Mitch to complete a bachelor’s degree in theology in 2004.
After a 48-year career in the construction industry, Mitch retired in 2021 from his role as Project Office Manager at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

Outside of church life, Mitch’s interests include sequence dancing, supporting “The U’s” (if you know, you know), and watching rugby—union, of course. He also serves as a Foundation Governor at St John’s Church of England Academy in Grove, where Vale Elim Church meets.