The Team at Gilgal Baptist

Meet the Team

It takes a team to run a busy church like Gilgal. We have a motivated and dedicated group of people on board to keep things running smoothly.

Currently the church diaconate is comprised of 12 members - 11 deacons and the Pastor.

To find out what each team member is responsible for, simply mouse-over the photo.

Rev Martin GillardPastor

Married to Carolynne with two adult children. Senior Pastor since 2010, formerly pastor at Station Road, Orpington 1985-89, and Zion, Ebbw Vale 1989-2010. Chaplain to Bridgend Ravens RFC. My task is to honour Jesus Christ, and to help develop 'Word and Spirit' ministry in our church.

Owen HughesYouth Pastor

Married to Caitlin and recently appointed Youth Pastor at Gilgal. Passionate about seeing young people come to know Jesus and experience life change. Previously worked in numerous ministry roles both in the UK and USA. I oversee all Youth ministry here at Gilgal and hope to begin my Masters Degree in Sport Coaching beginning September 2021.

Liz ReesChurch Secretary

I am Church secretary, responsible for all aspects of church administration. I am also a safeguarding trustee, worship ministry team leader, a member of the administration team and evangelism committee. I have been attending Gilgal for 20 years

John HornsbyChurch Treasurer

I have been attending Gilgal since 1980, when I moved to Porthcawl. I have been a deacon for most of that time, had a spell as Church Secretary 5 years and my main role now is as Treasurer, with responsibility for looking after the church finances. I am also currently taking the lead on our building redevelopment project.

Caryl GillDeacon - Discipleship

I’ve been attending Gilgal since about 2000, when I moved to Porthcawl with my parents and for my work. I led Gilgal Ladies Fellowship for a number of years and am part of the team that operates the Prayer Chain. For the last 2 years I have been the deacon with responsibility for Discipleship. I also alternate with Carolynne Gillard in leading the Friday house group.

Alison WestwoodDeacon - Mission

I attended church as a child and have my parents to thank for a loving Christian upbringing. I started attending Gilgal with my family in approximately 2007, being baptised with my mother and youngest son in 2013. I am honoured to serve Christ and our church family as a Deacon and Mission Ministry team leader.

Gordon LoveringDeacon - Evangelism

We moved to Porthcawl in 2017 to be near the sea and joined Gilgal! It is again a privilege to serve the Lord as a deacon, with the Evangelism Ministry Team as my main focus. This involves coordinating outreach - Alpha, Good Friday, Christmas, Elvis Weekend, in Trecco Bay - and generally trying to stimulate the church to "make Jesus better known".

Daphne HarrisDeacon - Pastoral

I started attending Gilgal as a babe in arms with my parents and sister. I was baptised and became a member in 1967. Apart from some years living abroad I have been attending since then. I became a deacon in 2007 and lead the Pastoral Ministry Team. This includes the vestibule welcome rota, visiting team, church away days or weekends and social events.

Jacqui CroleDeacon - Community

I have been attending Gilgal for just over 8 1/2 years and am currently the deacon responsible for community activities and relationships. This includes initiatives undertaken with other churches in Porthcawl and liaison with charities and local authorities.

Alison FarrowDeacon - Administration

I have been attending Gilgal since 2011 and have been a deacon here for just over 5 years. I was ministry team lead for Communications for 4 years and have recently been appointed co-lead for the Admin ministry team. I work for the Message Trust Wales, so am also the church's link person to that organisation.

Cathryn HodgesDeacon - Communications

My husband John and I joined Gilgal in 2013, a year after we relocated to Porthcawl. I am responsible for all aspects of church communications, both internal and external. This includes our magazine, website, news sheet and social media presence. As a retired teacher I am also heavily involved with children, families and youth ministry.

David RedhouseDeacon - Fabric

I have been attending the church since moving to Porthcawl in August 2017 and was appointed as a deacon in the spring of 2019. As such I am responsible for overseeing the fabric of the church premises. My wife and I have joint responsibility for one of the house groups. I have a keen interest in personal and professional development within the community that is Gilgal Baptist Church.

Eirwen HarrisDeacon - Prayer

I was first taken to church at Gilgal at the age of 3 and have been there ever since apart from a 38 year gap in the middle when I was doing missionary work in Peru. Currently I head up the Prayer Ministry team.