LEADERSHIP TEAM
Karen Greenhalgh
Deacon for community and mission; Eden Team Leader
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Karen has been a member of our Eden team since 2014 and took on the team leader role in September 2017. Karen has a long background of supporting and teaching teenagers who are struggling with mental health and face challenges engaging with school. Much of Karen's time is currently spent working in the local High School with struggling young people from our community.
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If you would like to know more about the work of the Eden team, or think you might want to get involved, contact Karen at karen.greenhalgh@eden-network.org
Before joining the team, Karen completed a Masters in Youth and Community Work and Applied Theology whilst leading the youth work at Deane Parish Church in Bolton and working as a Speech and Language Therapist. Karen is also a foster carer. She is the deacon responsible for community outreach and mission and Sundays.
Paul Wills
Deacon supporting Small groups
Paul serves the church as a deacon, and alongside James Meredith, they both have oversight of the pastoral team and the church’s small groups. He is married to Rachael, and they have two children. Paul was brought up in the church and became a Christian over 40 years ago, and he has since worshipped in a number of evangelical churches. In 2021, he completed a degree in Contextual Theology, and two years later he completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Theology, Ministry and Mission. Paul currently works for the Hope Centre in Partington, and prior to undertaking his studies, he worked and volunteered in a variety of roles within the charity sector. Paul and Rachael first attended People’s Church in 2019, and currently lead one of our small groups, whilst also undertaking various other duties in the church. Paul supports Burnley F.C., and he and his family enjoy walking in the hills or along the coast, and playing various board games
Sally Walker-Smith
Safeguarding Lead; Children's work Lead
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Sally began worshipping at People's Church in Jan 2011 and moved to Partington in 2012. With a background in teaching, special needs and overseas mission trips she is passionate about social justice and community restoration because of, and through, the love of Jesus.
Leadership
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We believe all Christians are called to serve; we are all a "holy priesthood" - 1 Peter 2.5. We are all meant to grow in Jesus Christ so we can help others to follow Jesus just as we are followers of Jesus.​ Leadership is a calling for godly women and men who are willing to serve and love the church the way Jesus did.
God calls some to be set apart for particular tasks, like being a Pastor (or Minister). In Baptist churches Pastors/Ministers are usually ordained by the Baptist Union of Great Britain. The church is responsible for prayerfully choosing the right person/persons to be their Pastor. Others are called to be deacons, who are nominated, called and affirmed by the church members. We are blessed to have many people who step up to lead in areas like worship, welcome and hospitality, Mission and Evangelism - not all of whom are mentioned above. You can spot them, though, by their servant heart, their godly character and their love for the
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SAFEGUARDING
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As part of our commitment to love God and love the community, we take the wellbeing and safeguarding of children, young people and adults very seriously. Sally Walker-Smith leads our Safeguarding Team, and James Meredith is our trustee for Safeguarding. Every person who serves in our children's work and with young people are fully DBS checked, also going through Safeguarding Training and an application process for their roles. A full copy of our safeguarding policy is available upon request.
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