:: WEBA - West of England Baptist Association ::

Office Staff

Gary McFarlane - Association Manager

Gary McFarlane is WEBA’s Association Manager. This is a relatively new role, and, says Gary, it’s evolving as the team works through the challenge of replacing Geoff Starling, who retired in August 2011.

“Geoff is a phenomenal asset and I’m not even going to attempt to follow that act. He has clearly served the association so well, it’s no wonder his job has been split into two different roles.”

Gary is a qualified solicitor who has worked in the areas of clinical negligence and then in mediation. From there he moved into relationship counselling, and then attracted a considerable amount of media attention when a hypothetical question about treatment for same sex couples led to dismissal from his employer, RELATE Avon. This has made Gary acutely aware of an increasing intolerance for Christian viewpoints in our society. He still practices as a freelance counsellor outside of his hours at WEBA.

“My heart is people” says Gary. “Anywhere I can contribute to freeing people up so that they can impact this world. I’m all about helping individuals and churches to better deal with their own relationships and conflicts, so that they can start looking out into a world full of people who are desperately wanting something – or someone – to fill a big void in their lives.”

Although Gary has been connected with several Baptist Churches over the years, like many of you in our churches, he ‘steps lightly’ over denominational divides and currently worships with a Bristol Pentecostalist church. What has he found most encouraging during his first few weeks at WEBA?

“There are people who absolutely love God with a passion, and have a desire to actually fulfill the Great Commission, to bring people into a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Gary is based at The Old Forge most weekday mornings and can be contacted at gary.mcfarlane@webassoc.org.uk

Lesley Wynne, Admin Assistant

Where do you worship?
St Mark's Baptist, Easton, Bristol

What do you do at The Old Forge?
Answer the 'phone, type, photocopying, Accounts, organise some events and avoid the filing!!

What do you do elsewhere?
Wife, Mum, School Governor, Chair of Look West, Church Secretary, Cook, knit, sew, read, Sleep!!

What in particular can you help WEBA members with?
......Depends what question is asked!......The price of fish!

What's the best way and time to contact you?
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings in any way you like.

Phone: 0117 965 8828
Email: office@webassoc.org.uk

Ruth Whiter, Communications Co-ordinator

Where do you worship?
Totterdown Baptist Church, Bristol

What do you do at The Old Forge?
Manage the website, publish updates and newsletters, and publicize WEBA events and initiatives.

What do you do elsewhere?
I have two children and sometimes find time to write, draw, and animate.

What in particular can you help WEBA members with?
Spreading your news, advertising your event, and putting you in touch with other WEBA church people who may be able to help your church's mission.

What's the best way and time to contact you?
By email or the office phone. I'm normally in the office on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 10 and 2.

Email: ruth.whiter@webassoc.org.uk

Office Staff

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