• 15 August 2023

Raymond McClure appointed to new joint role in Ballyhalbert

We are delighted to announce that Raymond McClure has been appointed to the joint role of Parish Pastoral Worker for St Andrew’s, Ballyhalbert and Outreach Leader for the new Ards Connect Outreach.

Raymond has been working as part–time Parish Pastoral Worker in St Andrew’s, Ballyhalbert for the last 18 months. During this time, St Andrew’s has witnessed a significant growth not only in numbers but in the congregation’s hunger for God’s work and desire to walk closer with Jesus. The congregation having almost doubled in size, St Andrew’s is beginning to see hope return to the hearts of parishioners with ambition for further growth and depth.

Ards Connect is an exciting new ministry for youth, Young Adults and Young Families in the Ards Peninsula. St Andrew’s church hall will provide a welcoming, relaxed and central space for youth and those in their 20s and 30s to gather, belong and encounter God through worship, Bible teaching, discussion and mentoring. Ards Connect wants to share the gospel and walk alongside young Christians as they grow spiritually and live out their faith through witness and service.

Raymond has a heart for mission, church planting and church growth projects and has recently undertaken a degree in theology through Belfast Bible College.  He is married to Ali and they have two daughters. He describes his hobbies as all things creative and has interests in music, photography and design.

Raymond says, “God is working in the Ards Peninsula and we need to be sensitive to that. I believe that God is calling a generation to lead a fresh move of the Holy Spirit that will see lives transformed and the captives set free”.

Raymond will be formally introduced by the Bishop at a service in St Andrew’s, Ballyhalbert, on Friday 8 September at 7.30pm.