Beech Hill Church in Otley is growing.

Over the last two years, since it moved to its new premises on Westgate, its congregation has more than doubled in size. The growth in numbers has meant new administrative challenges for the church. To help meet those challenges the church, this week, has doubled its leadership team, appointing three new deacons to manage the practical areas of the church’s life.

Alex Bridgen, Rose Smith, and Sarah Hughes will be the church’s first deacons for over twenty-five years. They will serve alongside the three elders who are already in place there.

With the current economic and social challenges, the church has appointed Alex Bridgen to take on the role of Care Coordinator. He will be mobilising church members to help with the practical support of others. This will be alongside those in the church who already help out with initiatives such as Otley Food Bank.

Sarah Hughes will be taking on the responsibility of coordinating building maintenance and improvements, as the building is heavily used, not only by the church, but by many groups in the community including the Chamber of Trade, Otley Men’s Forum and Wharfedale Gardeners.

Rose Smith will serve as church administrator, having been in this role in a previous church. She will be putting in place the systems and procedures that the church will need as it continues to grow.

Chris Haley, the pastor, said: “There was unanimous agreement amongst the membership that Alex, Rose and Sarah were the right people, with the right gifts for the roles. We look forward to making further appointments in the future, hopefully in the areas such as youth and children’s ministry as that area of our church continues to grow.”

Sarah Hughes said: “I’m really pleased to be able to help in this way. It will allow the elders and the pastor in particular to focus on teaching, training and spiritual support for the growing congregation. And that’s good for everyone.”