Deacons

In scripture the Deacons were men of particular gift and spirit life who oversaw the practical needs of the fellowship so that other leaders could dedicate themselves to word ministry and prayer (Acts 6:1-7).  We are blessed by having a full Deaconate of 7 men of God.

The Deaconate have the following particular areas of responsibility:

1. Administration- the practical arrangements of the fellowship, which include:
   • Secretarial - speaker invitation, letter writing, diary keeping, etc.
   • 'Porting' - opening up the church, preparing for meetings, duty cover, etc.
   • Publicity - notices, programme sheets, information, posters, etc.
   • Deployment - gift identification, membership, deployment, newcomers.
2. Finance
3. Building, Maintenance and upkeep
4. Practical Care - visiting of the sick, helping the shut-in, etc.

The following are our current Deacons, and their roles:

Peter Bryer

Peter has had years of experience in church leadership, and is currently also involved in leading the older teenage youth club, Youth Zone 2 Club.  Peter has oversight of the Building Project, working with Sam Oram, Steve Clark and Robin Mitchell.

Steve Burge

Steve Burge has been a member of the fellowship for many years, and has been in leadership for over three years.  Steve joins Richard and Malcolm in oversight of the Administration for the fellowship, and has responsibility for the publicity and 'corporate image' of the fellowship in all it's printed material.

Malcolm Critchley

Malcolm has been a Deacon at his previous church before a house move led the family into Somerset.  He brings both experience and wisdom to the Deaconate.  He joins Richard and Steve Burge in oversight of Administration, with particular responsibility for Health and Safety issues.

Richard Houlden

Richard has been an active member in SBC for many years, and is the longest serving member of the Deaconate team.  He is the elected Church Administrator, sharing the responsibilities within this position with Steve Burge and Malcolm Critchley.

Robin Mitchell

Robin has been in leadership in a number of churches as his job has led to various house moves.  Robin brings many practical gifts to the role of Deacon, and has oversight of the AV and is the Deaconate link for the Missionary support which is headed up by Pat Harper.

Noel Richards

Noel has huge business management and leadership experience, as well as experience in a number of growing churches prior to his move to Somerset.  Noel has oversight of the Finance of the fellowship, and is the elected Church Treasurer.

Adrian Thomas

Adrian has been involved in the youth work of the church for many years, and has been a Deacon for nearly three years.  In his working life he is a builder, a joint partner in his firm of contractors.  On the Deaconate, Adrian has responsibility for Maintenance and upkeep, working with a large team of volunteers who, in the day, are often led by Richard Houlden.