Hazel Bintley – Pastoral Coordinator

March 2025

Hi Hazel, How long have you been doing the role of Pastoral Coordinator (PC) and what does it entail?

I have been in this role since 2019 and prior to this I was a member of the Pastoral Team (PT). The PC works closely with the ministers and ministry leaders to identify emotional, practical, social and spiritual needs. I’m very thankful to work as part of the PT who work together to meet these needs. We liaise with the prayer chain, Life Group leaders, deacons, Contact Group, Exchange, flower ministry, the Centre Manager and Comms. When necessary we liaise with outside agencies e.g. bereavement support, mental health services, BS Night Shelter. I monitor the pastoral emails, and have the pastoral phone most of the time.

Link Up, the monthly gathering for newcomers to the Church, is organised by the PT, as is the BSBC Pantry which supports those who need a little extra help with food and household items.

What is your vision for Pastoral Care in our church?

There is much pastoral care that goes on in the church that I don’t even know about – in Life Groups or between individuals, and that is how it should be. My prayer is that this would increase, and we would all be more involved in the care of each other, with the PT perhaps getting involved with more complex cases. Training in specialist areas is vitally important, and we are having some Mental Health training in March. I would like to see more topics covered in future sessions, so that we may be better equipped to support and serve one another.

Which people are members of the PT and what are their roles?

Currently the PT consists of the ministers, myself, Sarah Davidson, Caroline Lee, and Cincita Ribeiro. Steve Barber (adult safeguarding) also attends our meetings and provides invaluable advice. The team attempts to match people and their needs with the appropriate support from inside or outside the Church.

When and how did you become a Christian?

I was privileged to have been part of a Christian family where the Scriptures and the Gospel were given a high priority. I was aware from a young age of my need of forgiveness, and prayed a simple prayer of confession at the age of seven . I was baptised when I was fourteen.

How long have you been at BSBC and what was your church background before coming to BSBC?

I have been a member of BSBC for almost 13 years. Previously I had been a member of evangelical churches in the different locations where I have lived.

What other roles have you occupied since joining BSBC?

I have been part of the Toddlers & Co team since 2012, and have served on the Sunday morning refreshments rota. I have been part of the catering team at youth weekends, and am an occasional helper in Kidzone.

Tell us a few interesting things about you…hobbies? Other volunteer roles outside the Church?

Being Welsh, and having grown up in the glory days of Welsh rugby in the ‘70s, I love watching Wales play, especially in the Six Nations tournament. Sadly this has been rather painful of late, but it does give me a chance to sing the national anthem, much to my family’s amusement! We became grandparents in 2023, and I am delighted to be able to look after our granddaughter, Aria, most Thursdays.

Is there anything we can pray about for you and/or your role?

Please pray that I keep close to the Lord, do the things I am involved in well, and that I know my limitations!