Jonathan Servus

Former church leader Stephen Timmis, 68, and his wife Janet, 61, have each been charged with eight counts of rape involving the same woman. The offences are alleged to have taken place between May and September 2008, when Stephen was a senior leader at The Crowded House Church on Sharrow Vale Road, Sheffield. Timmis co-founded the church in 2000 alongside fellow Christian leader Tim Chester and remained its senior elder until February 7, 2020. He also held senior positions within Acts 29, serving as European Director before becoming international chief executive. Timmis's leadership came under scrutiny following complaints from former colleagues and church members. In 2015, five former Acts 29 employees submitted a 19-page letter accusing him of bullying, lacking humility, excessive control and creating a culture of fear. They were subsequently dismissed after a meeting to discuss their complaints and reportedly asked to sign non-disclosure agreements as part of their severance arrangements. Former Crowded House elder Andy Stovell, who worked alongside Timmis for 14 years, also raised concerns. In a letter to church elders when he left in 2016, Stovell wrote: "People have been bruised by Steve's style. People have become cowed due to it." In February 2020, Christianity Today published an investigation featuring accounts from 15 people who described bullying, intimidation, overbearing demands and expectations of unconditional loyalty. Stovell also told the publication: "People were and are afraid of Steve Timmis." Following the accusations, Acts 29 removed Timmis as chief executive and he resigned as an elder at The Crowded House on February 7, 2020. The church subsequently commissioned an independent investigation into its leadership culture. Published on October 29, 2020, the review involved 83 participants, including former and current members, leaders, trustees and interns. Timmis declined to participate, so investigators relied on interviews, accounts and documentary evidence. The review exposed serious governance and safeguarding failures, finding that trustees had been sidelined and documenting accounts of psychological harm, intimidation and controlling behaviour, including pressure over personal decisions and isolation of former members. It also revealed that elders had discussed complaints about Timmis bullying and humiliating church members on February 6, 2020, the day before the Christianity Today investigation was published. Following publication, church elders issued a full and unreserved apology, acknowledging failures in accountability, governance and pastoral care. They accepted the findings, pledged to implement the recommendations and commissioned an independent helpline for those affected. On October 29, 2026, South Yorkshire Police announced that Stephen and Janet Timmis had each been charged with eight counts of rape following an investigation into alleged offences dating back to 2008. Officers said former members of The Crowded House may hold information relevant to their enquiries and are appealing for anyone with concerns or information to come forward by contacting South Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting investigation reference 14/229723/24. Stephen and Janet Timmis, both of Psalter Lane, Sheffield, have been released on bail and are due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates Court on December 1, 2026. #UKNews #CrimeNews #Sheffield