From WebNet to Faith in Later Life

Christian charity Faith in Later Life has announced the appointment of a new Lead Officer, Alexandra Drew, to take forward its work to inspire and equip Christians to reach, serve and empower older people in every community, through the local church

Alexandra (known as Alex) joins Faith in Later Life from The West of England Baptist Network (WebNet) and Seventy-two where she has had a thorough grounding in operational management and communications to support churches and individuals as they join in with God’s mission to make disciples.
 
Passionate about helping people come to know Jesus for the first time, or to know him more, Alex has also been involved in significant voluntary work; sharing the gospel regionally and leading the senior’s ministry at Clevedon Baptist Church. She lives in the West Country where she has raised three sons and where she now worships and serves at Clevedon Family Church.
 
Alex came to a living faith in Jesus through an Alpha Course at the age of 31 and understands what it is to make this counter-cultural but life-changing decision to follow Jesus as an adult - a decision she is thrilled to have observed people in much later life making, in churches and networks where finding and nurturing faith at any age is a priority.

Faith in Later Life has successfully created a network of more than 700 church champions for older people across the country, training, publications and a widely-used online resource hub.

Speaking of this new role, Alex said, 'I’m delighted to be asked to lead Faith in Later Life into the next season of its work to be the Christian voice for older people within and beyond the church.
 
'Having volunteered with and alongside the charity in the early days, I know that Faith in Later Life is a much-needed ministry. We have a wonderful opportunity to honour and love those in their later years by encouraging and equipping the local church to support older people through challenging times, to share the good news of Jesus with them, and to enable older Christians to flourish in their lifelong calling and personal discipleship. What a privilege!
 
'Much has been said about how the pandemic has shone a light on the loneliness that older people feel, but I believe the church is ideally equipped and positioned to lead the way in telling a different story in which older people are valued and seen for the vibrant and impactful lives they model in our society. 
 
'I look forward to working with our church champions and others to develop this and live it out in the places and situations to which God has called us.

'Please pray for me and the team as we step into this new season together, that we might hear God’s wisdom, and respond accordingly, for his glory and the salvation and flourishing of those we serve.' 

Alex has written more about the transition and the need to support older people here.

Speaking as Chair of Trustees, Stephen Hammersley CBE added, 'I know Alexandra will continue to build on all the great work we have already achieved since the charity gained charitable status at the end of 2019.
 
'Alexandra’s strong passion for the local church and the mission of the charity was demonstrated in the recruitment process.
 
'There is a need for a strong voice for older people both inside and outside the church and I am grateful that Alexandra has heard this call and responded to it.

'I pray for Alexandra and the whole team: that Faith in Later Life will be used by God to grow His kingdom.'
 
Welcoming Alexandra’s appointment, Faith in Later Life Ambassador and Christian broadcaster, Pam Rhodes said, 'I'm thrilled to welcome Alexandra Drew to lead Faith in Later Life at a time when our work has never been more needed.
 
'Throughout her years of work and ministry, her area of passion and expertise has been in encouraging churches and individuals to share and accept the Christian message.
 
'We understand how much that loving, practical and inspirational support is needed and appreciated by the older members of our communities, and the vital role that churches can play in bringing God's love and blessing to those in the later stages of their lives.
 
'I continue to cheer Alexandra and the team on!'

 

Alex will introduce herself to Church Champions at its online networking sessions on Tuesday, 8 August. These sessions take place at 1.30pm and 7.30pm, and anyone with a heart for older people is welcome.

To find out more about the work of Faith in Later Life, and to join the online networking sessions in August, visit faithinlaterlife.org