Pastors
Mark Hirst
Lead Pastor
Mark has a passion for God’s word and to see God do the things only he can do in people’s lives and in the world. His heart is for the church in Ashford to raise up leaders, plant churches and send out missionaries, recognising that this involves equipping and releasing everyone in the call Jesus has on their lives. Mark is married to Izzy who serves alongside him in the church, and they have four children, Joshua, Rebekah, Tabitha and Abigail.
Katie James
Pastor
Katie has been serving here since September 2021 and was previously based in Bristol. She is the youngest Baptist Minister in the country and is part of the young Young Adults Round Table and the SEBA Leadership Team. Katie has a real passion to see people find wholeness and identity in Christ and to release them in their giftings through teaching and equipping. Part of Katie's role here at WBC is to oversee and grow the youth ministry. She is also one of the teachers at our LEAD: Theology school, overseeing two LEAD interns.
Paula Chegwin
Minister in Training
Paula has been part of the WBC family since 2004. A passionate leader, who encourages us to go deeper in our relationships with God through uncomplicated, honest conversations with Him. In 2022 she began her ministerial training and theology degree at Spurgeons College, London, and will be working at WBC part-time until this is completed in 2025. Paula is married to Stewart and they have a son, Matthew.
Staff
Harriet Ashford
Executive Administrator
Harriet joined the team in 2022 as the Executive Administrator - the core of all operations within the church. Harriet previously worked as a practice nurse.
She is passionate about people, loves baking, spending time with family and friends and is a true champion of all those she loves.
Harriet is married to Charles and they have two sons, Edward and Henry. She is on maternity leave until the end of 2023 but is still around on a Sunday morning so feel free to say "Hi!"
Kelly Boylan
The Well Manager
Kelly is the manager of our wonderful Community Cafe, The Well. She took on this role initially for a few months back in 2020 to get the Cafe up and running during lockdown... it is now three years down the road and we are thankful she is still here! She has a heart for seeing peoples lives transformed through knowing Jesus and she loves being involved with our local community and meeting new people. Kelly lives in Aldington with her husband and their 4 children.
Sonya Perks
Preschool Manager
Sonya has been part of WBC since 2003 and loves being part of the church family. Sonya manages the Willesborough Baptist Preschool here as well as overseeing Stepping Stones - which provides ‘Supported Contact’ for separated families. Alongside these roles, Sonya supports the team to develop a warm and inviting environment with a Christian ethos, where all children and families feel welcome. Sonya is married to Tim who is one of the treasurers here at WBC.
Alie Tozer
Media & Communications Manager
Alie joined the WBC team in 2022 as Media & Communications Manager. Having worked in-house as a Graphic Designer for MAF UK for several years and having freelanced for MAFI, she has a lot of experience behind her. As well as being creative when it comes to media, she is also a musician and fronts an indie/rock band. Her band have toured the UK several times and have had music appear on national radio and tv. She lives in Sandgate with her husband Jez and their Corgi.