'A key development for NBA' 

The Northern Baptist Association will begin 2023 with a newly strengthened team after announcing several new appointments 

Dan Holland, Youth and Community Worker at Portrack Baptist Church, will join the team to be a focal point for all Children, Youth and Families (CYF) workers within the NBA. He will be responsible for developing a network of support and encouragement for those serving CYF in the NBA churches and missional communities.  

'I'm really excited about the CYF Facilitator role and I can't wait to get started,' dan said. 'I know there is so much great work going on with children families and young people across the NBA and I'm looking forward to meeting with those involved and getting the chance to support churches as they seek to minister to children and young people of all ages.' 

Susanna Hinton will join the team as the Renew Wellbeing Facilitator, aiming to help it 'embed Renew Wellbeing into the life and mission of the NBA.'

She worships at New Life Baptist Church, Northallerton, and volunteers in the Renew Wellbeing space at The Living Rooms in Northallerton. Susanna said, 'I am so excited to be starting this new role in the NBA, working alongside Renew Wellbeing, to help our member churches prayerfully consider whether opening a Renew Wellbeing space is part of the Lord's vision for them. 

'Poor mental health, isolation and overburdened, under-resourced mental health services are presenting a real and growing problem in the UK, and as churches, we play a vitally important role in providing safe communities which express God's love and acceptance to all.'

John Cooper, currently serving Morpeth Baptist Church as their minister, joins the team as Pioneering Facilitator. John has a focus on providing inspiration and support for local pioneer ministers, as well as being a point of contact for those seeking to be more missional across the NBA.

John has lived in the North East for many years and has a heart to see people released in different ways of bringing the Good News of Jesus in their communities. 

Graham McBain completes the new arrivals. As the NBA's Pastoral Facilitator, he will provide pastoral support for local clusters of ministers and facilitating their regular gathering.

Graham will be moving to the North East in January as he also begins to serve Hartlepool as a Community Minister, one of a series of missional and pioneering projects the NBA is investing in for 2023.

He said, 'I felt a real resonance with the values and ethos of the NBA and I am excited about joining this association and being a small part in God's purpose for this area.' He joins the team with an experience of serving churches of different styles and sizes.

Dan, Susanna, John and Graham join Hayley Young, the NBA's Transitional Strategic Regional Minister, administrator Clare Cockerill, and Linda Dondalson: Ministry & Formation Facilitator including Hub Tutor based at Cranmer Hall.

From January Linda's role will increase from Hub Tutor to overseeing the ministry and formation of ministers, pastors and pioneers in the NBA. Linda will be the key contact for those feeling called to ministry, ministers in training and Newly Accredited Ministers. She will continue to work with Cranmer Hall and Northern Baptist College. Linda will serve the NBA for three days a week, and continue to minister at Portrack. 

Hayley said, 'I’m so excited that the NBA have announced the new team for January 2023; this is a key development as we transition into an association that is relevant for all our ministers, churches, Missional communities, CYF workers/pastors and pioneers.'   

A leaving service for the Paul Revill, who has served the NBA as Regional Minister: Mission Enabler, takes places at Heaton Baptist Church at 4pm on 4 December. 'We are really grateful for the years of service Paul has given to the NBA and there will be an opportunity to say thank you and reflect on this,' said the NBA.