Joanna is a presenter, actress and author of the children's book 'What's Up: 30 encouragements to fuel your faith'. She is best known for her role as a presenter on CBeebies and is passionate about creativity and her faith in Jesus. Joanna is thrilled to be hosting Big Start again this year!

Married to Alison, David is Managing Director of a software company based on the Isle of Man. He brings his business skills and deep Christian commitment to the work of the Board of Trustees. David and Alison spend much of their time on Friends and Heroes, a major project to produce a world-class animated Bible story series.

Elaine is the Chief Executive of the Scottish Bible Society. Elaine’s passion is to help people know God better through engaging with the Bible. Originally from Cumbria, Elaine now lives and works in Scotland. She loves being outdoors, usually walking her pal’s two dogs.

Tarn is the CEO of the national fostering and adoption charity, Home for Good and also an adoptive mum to two incredible boys. Previously Tarn (as affectionately known) was interim CEO at CapitalMass compiling the next ten-year strategy for social action across the Diocese of London. She is a seasoned public speaker, author and executive coach and has 20 years of ministerial experience as well as a background working in FTSE100 companies. 

Martha Shrimpton is an actor, presenter and author who has worked within creative arts for many years. She is the director of Nimbus Collective, which encourages individuals, families and churches to connect with God in creative ways. Martha has written many Christian resource and activity books for children, leads workshops and produces resources to inspire creativity and play! Martha is a member of the Spring Harvest Planning Group and recently joined the head office team as creative coordinator.

Phil joined Essential Christian as CEO in 2020. He has a background in church leadership and the Christian music industry with 20 years’ experience in digital and creative song publishing. Prior to joining Essential Christian, Phil was MD of Integrity Music Europe with offices in Brighton UK and Nashville, USA. Phil is married to Jan, has two grown up children.

Sheridan is an author, speaker, and founder of FriendshipLab.org. His books include Resurrection Year, The Making of Us, and Praying Through Infertility, and he is a regular presenter of Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2. Sheridan’s latest venture, Friendship Lab, empowers adults with the wisdom and skills to make their friendships thrive.

Mark is Centre Director for Cambridge and District Youth for Christ and sits on the Planning Group for Spring Harvest. He has over 16 years experience in youth ministry and is passionate about seeing young people encounter God and be equipped to be life-long disciples. He loves coffee, board games, musicals and a good theology book.

Paul is the leader of New Generation Church in south-east London and serves on the leadership team of Pioneer. Paul is passionate about the local church and has founded a new free school, Hope Community School, in Sidcup. He is a husband, dad and qualified chef.

Damian is well known to the Spring Harvest family as he has served for many years on the youth and leadership teams. He is the Director of Scripture Union Northern Ireland.

In his spare time you’ll find him fulfilling the important role of 'dad taxi driver', out for walks with the family dog or reading a good book!