A Kingsbridge community worker who has spent the past nine years working with young people across the town is to be formally ordained as a pastor.

Jonny Richmond moved to Kingsbridge with his wife Heather nine years ago when he took up the role of local director for Kingsbridge Youth for Christ.

He has worked with young people across the town in schools, youth clubs and on the streets, and was voted Kingsbridge Community Champion in 2025 in recognition of his work in the community.

In 2023, Jonny said he felt led into church ministry and has spent the past three years studying theology at Bristol Baptist College.

That training will now conclude with his ordination as pastor of Kingsbridge Family Church, formally recognising his preparation for the role and bringing a new level of responsibility for leading and caring for the church.

Jonny said his Christian faith had given him hope after a difficult period in his own life.

"At 23 I was in a really dark place and felt powerless to change. God pulled me out of that, and it's given me a hope that's stayed with me ever since," he said.

"I love Kingsbridge. It's a place of real community and belonging, and I've loved working with the young people here, encouraging them and investing in them, and seeing so much potential in them.

"But my heart has never been just for the youth - it’s for all people of all walks of life. As a church we have a message: There is hope."

Jonny said he was looking forward to continuing to serve the community in his new role.

His ordination will take place at Kingsbridge Family Church at 2pm on Friday, September 19.

Space is limited and anyone wishing to attend is asked to email [email protected].

The Church said it would welcome prayers for Jonny as he grows into this new role.

Kingsbridge Family Church meets on Sunday mornings at 10.30am and welcomes people of all ages. For more information visit: www.kfclife.co.uk