Leadership Team
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.
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.
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 - 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.