Meet the Team

Christopher Sears, MBE, is co-founder of St Leonards Pentecostal Church, now called ‘His Place Community Church’. He lives by faith with a simple lifestyle – he does not have a car, computer, or mobile phone! Chris started sharing the gospel as a lay preacher at the age of 14 in Maidstone Congregational Church. After ministering throughout his teens and later meeting Margaret at an Assemblies of God (AOG) conference, Chris married Margaret in Beckley and they moved to Hastings where they set up home. Much later on, they took up a Pastorship at Home Mission in Bath for 4 years following which they re-located back to Hastings once again. For 13 years Chris managed His Place café in St Leonards-on-Sea with Alpha course breakfasts and an addiction recovery programme. Chris is also a founding member of Hasting’s Hope Kitchen which feeds the homeless. He has seen many lives transformed. “I have a vision,” said Chris,“of the river of God in the center of Hastings, with different streams flowing into the one river of blessing. The Lord wants to do wonderful and mighty works here.”

Pastor Graham Compton has been married to Mel for 18 years.  Between them, they have 4 children, 2 grandchildren and beloved Scooby, the dog! They live in St Leonards having moved from Eastbourne in 2012. Graham has been a Christian since the age of 11 and has held many roles in different churches over the years. Graham has had over 30 years of Christian service experience including youth work and children’s ministry.  For the last 10 years, Graham has been an Itinerant Preacher for different local Churches and it was this that brought his introduction to His Place. The Trustees appointed Graham as  Pastor in July 2022. Graham and Mel have a passion for releasing the potential in people from all walks of life and reaching the local community with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Nicola was born in West Sussex, grew up in Norfolk and ever since has been part of the Hastings, Crowborough and Eastbourne communities. On leaving college, God guided her to work as a volunteer at Ashburnham Place Christian Conference Centre, before working in social care and currently education. Nicola has a love of drama and is an active member of SHADES Theatre Company, is a rusty pianist and trumpet player and dedicates most of her time as Trustee and volunteer administrator for His Place.

Children and Evangelism Pastor, Caroline was born in Hastings is married, with two grown up daughters. Caroline is a trustee and the safeguarding officer at His Place and manages our cafe and community work. Caroline’s vision is to see His Place building restored so that community work can carry on. She is a talented singer and can often be found leading worship. Caroline has a heart for evangelism and enjoys leading people to their Sea baptisms!