The People’s Hall is run as a congregational church. The church is a founding member of the FIEC (Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches) and a member of the EFCC (Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches) The Membership of the church govern independently of any other body and appoint an Oversight consisting of a Pastor, Elders and Deacons. The governance of The People’s Hall is laid out in the church Constitution.
Our Pastor, Jackie, and his wife Lila, were born and raised in N. Ireland. As a boy, Jackie was sent to Sunday School in Holywood Gospel Hall. As a girl, Lila was sent to the Salvation Army Citadel at the end of her street. Lila was saved, aged 15, and attended Rathmore Street Evangelical Church, Belfast. Jackie completed an apprenticeship as an electrician with Harland and Wolff Shipbuilders, and it was not until 1979, aged 29, that God saved him. By that time, Jackie and Lila were married and had two sons Jackie and Paul.
After a call to full-time service in 1981, Jackie enjoyed three years at Belfast Bible College where he studied and obtained a Diploma of Biblical Studies.
Immediately after graduation Jackie, Lila and their two sons, Jackie and Paul, set off for Switzerland to Child Evangelism Fellowship’s Leadership Training Institute. On completion, Jackie and Lila were appointed Local Directors in 1984 and served the Lord in Northern Ireland for nine years, serving in North East Down and their home area of East Belfast.
After three years in secular employment, God brought Jackie and Lila back into His service to work, for six years from 1995, with Sandes Soldiers and Airmen’s Centres. They were Superintendents both in Lisanelly Barracks, Omagh and RAF Cosford, just 14 Miles from Bridgnorth.
They were invited by RAF Sgt Stu Bailey and his wife Mandy to a service at Peoples Hall and as they entered the building, God said “Welcome home” They fellowshipped there for two years and were brought into membership in 2000.
Sadly, during that period, Rev Jim Grainger resigned as the pastor of the church. In February 2001, after discussions with the Elders and church membership, Jackie was ordained to the ministry and inducted as Pastor of the church.
Jackie’s favorite place is in the pulpit. He loves to preach and teach and discuss God’s word. His greatest desires are: To see the people of God grow in their knowledge of God and faith in Him; For them to reach out to the immediate community with the Gospel, and to see more men and women, boys and girls, saved by the grace of God and in fellowship in a Bible believing Church, whether it’s The People’s Hall or not.
Paul was saved as a result of courting his wife Dorothy, some 33 years ago. Soon they were married and now have four children: Daniel, Zoe, Hatty and Luke. Paul has been an Elder since 1994, and is recognised as the “Senior” Elder. Paul’s responsibilities are the Children’s and Young People’s ministry. His Gifts are Giving, Faith and Teaching.
Steve has been a Christian for 40 years. He is married to Mary and their two girls are Rachel and Cilla. Steve was appointed as Elder in 1999. He is also one of two church organists. Steve’s area of responsibility is Church Fabric and his gifts are Prophesy, Mercy and Faith.
Geoff has been attending The People’s Hall since he was a boy and was saved aged 15. Geoff regularly ministers at Innage Grange Residential Home. He was appointed Elder in 1999 Geoff is responsible for Administration and Fellowship. His gifts are Helps, Administration and Pastor/Teacher.
Derek, along with his wife, Ruth became members of Peoples Hall in the year 2000. Their children are Elaine, Rachel and Andrew (Andi). Derek proved himself capable of the task of Deacon as he tirelessly got on with the job without seeking recognition. However, his service was acknowledged and he was appointed as Deacon in 2002. Derek is one of two fabric deacons.
Robert began attending Peoples Hall as a boy (aged 7). Over the last 20 years, he has “grown in stature with God and men”. He is married to Elaine (Derek’s daughter) and they have a little girl, Louisa. Robert was appointed Deacon in 2002. Robert is our website developer and runs the church youth club.
Dave was restored to fellowship with God as a result events leading up to the New Millennium. He is married to Andrea and has two children, Josh and Katy. Dave became a church member in 2003 and has been involved with Pebbles and Rock Clubs. When he was appointed Deacon in 2005, and is a Fabric Deacon with Derek.
Like Geoff, Derek and Robert, Marvin has been attending The People’s Hall since he was a boy. He is married to Debbie and they have one son, Joel. This is Marvin’s second tenure as Deacon, and, along with Paul, is the Deacon responsible for Children and Youth.