Leadership Team
Yinka and Fiona Oyekan
Yinka has been the Senior Minister of the church since 2005. With a breadth of experience nationally and internationally and as one of the founders of Barnabas Fellowship of Churches, a network with churches and projects in several nations, Yinka brings apostolic leadership to the church. Yinka and Fiona met in Glasgow while Yinka was at Bible College and then moved to Cornwall to minister alongside Don Double and Good News Crusade. Together they have planted twenty-two churches. Yinka ministers with a prophetic edge and Fiona ministers in a way that empowers and encourages woman to be strong leaders.
Blessed with three sons, Yinka loves to paint whenever he gets a moment and Fiona has a keen eye for interior design. As a family they love to get outside for long walks.
Gareth and Rachel Owen
Gareth and Rachel have been pioneering since they met through YWAM, pioneering ‘Street-side Church’ (basically what is says on the tin) for children in the Rhondda Valley area in South Wales. Since then they have pioneered and led two communities and also lead Barnabas England a network of churches. They are passionate about the church being a family.
Gareth is the Associate Minister of The Gate and Rachel is our Operations Manager. Gareth and Rachel have two children and love being by water whether it’s the sea, lakes, rivers or best of all canals.
Alastair Mitchell-Baker
Alastair has been an Elder and part of the Senior Leadership at The Gate since 2003. Alastair has lived in Reading, since 1987. He’s been married to Jane for over 30 years and they have two grown up sons. He has a passion for the healing ministry and is a member of Agape Freedom Fighters, an international healing ministry and travels regularly with them. For fun he enjoys chess, kayaking, painting, running, and watching sport. He works as an organisational development and design consultant.
Sue Winyard
Sue is married to Nathan and together they enjoy sharing their home with others for hospitality and fellowship. With a background in Social Care, Sue has a history of managing projects that seek to reach out to people who would otherwise feel excluded. Sue carries a strong prophetic gift and a passion to see people walk in intimacy with God, handling the revelation of Heaven with maturity and humility.
Mabel Boyd
Hailing from Northern Ireland Mabel has lived in Reading for over 40 years. Mabel has a breadth of experience supporting vulnerable people having worked in victim support with Thames Valley police and leading a charity that supports vulnerable woman and the homeless poor in Reading.
Mabel serves pastorally in the church and has a strong anointing for discernment and deliverance. Mabel has two children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She loves the sun and any chance to explore new places abroad are always welcome.