A community champion and youth worker has been formally ordained as a Baptist minister and pastor for Kingsbridge Family Church following three years of study.

The ordination service brought together members of the church, representatives of the South West Baptist Association and Bristol Baptist College to recognise Jonny's calling to Christian ministry.

Carl Smethurst, Regional Minister for Mission with the South West Baptist Association, told the congregation that becoming a minister "was not something an individual could simply decide for themselves", but required the call to be tested by the church and wider Baptist community.

He formally commended Jonny for ordination on behalf of the South West Baptist Association, saying "his calling had been tested through questioning, prayer and discernment."

Jonny previously worked with Youth for Christ, where he said he developed a particular passion for working with young people and sharing the Christian faith in schools and youth clubs. During his ordination testimony, he also spoke about a period in his early twenties when he had drifted from his Christian faith and experienced what he described as loneliness, addiction and depression.

He said he later felt called back to his faith. In 2015, he began working with Youth for Christ before moving to South Devon with his wife Heather.

He recalled applying for a role in Kingsbridge despite originally believing he did not meet all the requirements.

After being offered the position, he became increasingly involved with the local church and its work with young people. Jonny said his sense of calling eventually changed from a focus primarily on youth work towards serving the wider church.

“Things changed in Covid. Me and Heather spent a lot of time walking and talking together, and we just began to get a heart for the church," he said.

In 2023, Jonny left Youth for Christ after Kingsbridge Family Church decided to appoint a pastor.

Bob Fretton, a representative of the church, said its leadership had initially been cautious about appointing a pastor because of difficult experiences and division in its recent history. However, after discussing the risks, the leadership decided there was a strong case to proceed.

The congregation then gave its unanimous support to Jonny, with church members formally inviting him to serve as their pastor.

Rev Dr Peter Morden, Principal of Bristol Baptist College, also recommended Jonny for ordination. He said Jonny had prepared for Christian ministry through study, prayer and service , adding that he had grown in his gifts during his time at the college.

Rev Dr Morden described him as a committed and gifted Christian minister , and said his character and competence had developed together.

As part of the service, Jonny publicly affirmed his belief in the Christian faith and his calling to ministry. He pledged to proclaim the gospel, teach from Scripture, serve and pastor the congregation, and remain faithful to his calling.

The service concluded with prayers and the laying on of hands, formally marking his ordination. Jonny said his vision for his ministry was to help release and empower the church, teach Scripture, serve the congregation and support people through difficult times.

He also paid tribute to his wife Heather for her support throughout his journey.

Mr Smethurst said the South West Baptist Association would continue to support Jonny and his family during his ministry.