Served 2018 – Ongoing
Peter served as a Deacon from November 2003 until the Lord called him to be our Pastor in 2018. Peter has also served as Church Secretary since 2015 and been responsible for the, "Building Fabric" (until new officers were appointed) and "Evangelism Outreach". Peter has been an open air preacher and worked with various mission organisations, since soon after his conversion in 1990. He ministers in the open air in Bridport on a weekly basis with a small team, sharing the Gospel. His own conversion was dramatic, resulting in a complete change of life and he now preaches that, "Gospel of Christ's saving power" to any who will listen. Peter preaches simple, clear Gospel messages every Lord's Day (Sunday) morning at 11 a.m. and all are warmly invited to come and hear the Gospel explained, whoever you are.
Peter studied Pastoral and Biblical Theology at the, Salisbury Reformed Seminary for three years and graduated in January 2022. He remains deeply grateful for all he learned there and for the shared experience of so many time served Christian Ministers, who taught something of what it means to be a Pastor after God's own heart. We warmly recommend this Seminary to men of all ages who feel an unmistakable calling to preach the Gospel and pastor, as shepherds of God's flock.
Our previous minister, Rev. Norman Millership, served from 1997 and retired in September 2006. The congregation at Chardsmead remains immensely grateful for Norman’s ministry and dedication to the Gospel work in Bridport. Norman and Linda returned to South Wales where true to form Norman took up a small work “ The English Baptist Mission” in Nelson on a part-time basis and has now finally retired completely as of Summer 2015. Lasting benefits remain with the church from this Godly ministry and we do thank God for His goodness.
Since Rev. Millership's retirement, we searched prayerfully and diligently for a new Minister until 2018 when the Lord called Peter Bruce from amongst the congregation to serve as Pastor. During our search for a pastor the Rev. Malcolm Watts of Emmanuel Salisbury graciously agreed to moderate the church. We remain deeply grateful to Rev. Watts for his tireless commitment and ministry and also to many reformed sister churches for providing us with Godly men to preach on a regular basis. Thank you, to all of you.
Additional details below regarding previous ministers are from church archives.
Chardsmead’s current church model is Pastor/Minister, Elders and Deacons with Elders serving as church leaders alongside the Minister.
In 2019 the role of Elder was agreed to be instated, the church only having a serving Pastor/Minister and Deacons previously. This was an unusual model among Baptist Churches a matter the membership discussed with our previous Pastor. The church believes a more biblical model is Minister with Elders and Deacons, which is now reflected in the Constitution documents.
All the church meetings and activities continue including:
Lord’s Day services (Sunday) 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Sunday School (Sunday) 3-4 p.m.
Bible Study / Prayer Meeting (Wednesday) 7 p.m.
Open Air Preaching & Tract Distribution.
Roy served as a Deacon since November 1991 before becoming church Elder in 2019 alongside Pastor Bruce, and has also been church Treasurer since 2003. Roy also leads an outreach work to a local community centre and is a regular member of the Door To Door Team, as well as Director of Children's Ministries, with oversight of the Sunday School.
Nathan has served as Deacon since February 2022.
Helen has served as Missionary Secretary since 2006 and now leads the ladies mid-week meeting since Mrs Margaret Impey stepped down. Helen ministers ceaselessly behind the scenes to our laides and the sick.
Stan served as Deacon since November 1986 and was church secretary from 1993. After a period of illness Stan received help from Peter as acting Secretary but Stan held his office until the day the Lord finally took him to Glory on July 29th 2016. His presence and gracious influence are greatly missed.
