Leadership Team

Michael and Whitney Harper - Leadership Team

Michael and Whitney Harper have been serving Tavira Christian Centre International in many ways since they joined the church in May 2023. They joined the leadership team in 2024 and, in May 2025, Michael was asked to become the pastor of the church.

The Harpers are both on the spiritual leadership and teaching teams. They lead the prayer meetings over Zoom on Wednesday mornings. They co-lead the Men’s and Women’s Ministries with other leaders (Barry Cockerill and Sheri Newkirk). Michael is on the pastoral team as lead pastor, and Whitney currently leads the tech team and does background work for our website and our Sunday services. 

Barry Cockerill - President of Board of Directors & Spiritual Leadership Team Member

I am Barry Cockerill and I love Jesus!

I have been his disciple for 55 years and counting and the more I know him, the more I want to know him even more. I have 2 grown children and 8 grandchildren. Our daughter lives in Israel with her husband and 7 children, and our son and family live in the US. I love to visit them all and welcome them here.

I am now retired from a long career as an electrical engineer in Canada. I live in Conceicao de Tavira, Algarve with my wife Margaret, and have been part of TCCI since September 2023.

Bob Collins - Spiritual Leadership Team Member

Having been followers of Christ for decades, Bob and Meg were active in their local churches in the US in a variety of roles. Both believe the local church is a necessary component of living a life faithful to God and of spiritual growth.

They visited TCCI for a month in the fall of 2023 while investigating Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA) as potential places to live. The welcome by the believers at TCCI and an almost immediate sense that they had found a new spiritual home contributed to their decision to move to VRSA the next fall.

Bob joined the Teaching Team in 2025 and is active in the Men’s ministry; Meg is active in the Women’s ministry and on the hospitality team. Hosting and leading a TCCI small group in their home in VRSA has been a joy. In June of 2026, Bob was invited to join the leadership team here at TCCI.

Bob and Meg are blessed with four children and nine grandchildren.

Jim Bellamy, Treasurer

Jim & newly married (11-FEB-2023) wife Colleen joined TCCI in January 2025. Following a first visit in September 2024, where he found the hospitality & Spirit of Christ in the people worshipping the LORD at TCCI.

Jim being a believer & follower of Jesus from a very young age, was fully baptised in July 2004, at an Evangelical Church in Rustenburg South Africa which stands on the promise of “Being able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me “(Phil 4:13). Jim has now been led by the Holy Spirit to use his gift & passion for business in assisting with the TCCI team with its finance & legal procedures.

Sheri Newkirk - Women’s Ministry Co-Leader & Board Secretary

Born and raised in California, Sheri finally met Jesus in 1993 and her life and service has changed dramatically. She has helped in the raising of 11 children, and found her identity in Christ in 2025.

In 2024, Sheri was blessed to be asked to join the teaching team in TCCI where she is able to give a quick message while serving the elements of Communion. In 2025, her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting came in handy when she volunteered to be a part of the Finance Team.

She also serves as the secretary on the Board of Directors at the Association of Light of the World, the Association of TCCI.