What we do 

Growing healthy churches

Revd Joth Hunt (Team Leader) and Revd Paul Kerley are our Regional Ministers.

Together Joth and Paul offer pastoral care to all Baptist ministers living and working in the region whether they are working in a Baptist church, pioneering situation, training for the ministry or working in other sectors (e.g. as chaplains, or for other organisations or have retired from active ministry).

They are always willing to speak at member churches across the region especially when the minister is not available and for special services such as church anniversaries. They usually lead induction and ordination services, representing the wider Baptist family. They are also happy speak on Baptist Home Mission, give updates on the work of the Association and to be involved in weekends away and other retreats or study/teaching activities.

Generally, Paul looks after churches in Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex and Joth the churches in Kent and they share responsibility for the churches in East Sussex, but there is always flexibility. Ministerial settlement placements are covered by both of them (in the geographical areas they are responsible for); and Paul is responsible for ministerial recognition and training.

Another key area of their work is supporting churches facing challenges where they need some additional help or where there is a dispute between a minister and their church. Where a church is unsure of the way forward, particularly where there is a potential financial, legal or employment issue at stake we would always encourage contacting your Regional Minister sooner rather than later as the earlier they can be involved the more likely it is that the situation can be dealt without getting out of control. Both Joth and Paul are always ready to offer advice and guidance to Ministers, Church Leaders, Elders and Deacons over the phone, Zoom or a personal visit. 

Jo Hayes is our Safeguarding Officer and is available to offer advice, guidance and support regarding safeguarding concerns as well as helping our member churches to maintain good practice in all your safeguarding arrangements. Jo can help churches with individual when extra support is needed cases - assisting in the preparation of a Contract of Agreement and co-operating with statutory agencies as required.

The Operations Team includes Steph Tidy our Administrator, Sue Hunt PA to Joth Hunt, Pam Kerley PA to Paul Kerley and Helen Boyd our Bookkeeper. As well as dealing with the administration and finances of the Association and organising our events and training activity, the team are happy to offer support to Church Secretaries and Treasurers on a wide variety of issues.