Minister

The Rev. David Allen has been the Minister of Ballyrashane Presbyterian Church since April 2001. His previous congregations were Clones, Newbliss, Stonebridge and Ballyhobridge, Co. Monaghan from 1992 to 2001 and as an assistant in Great Victoria Street in Belfast from 1989 to 1992. He is married to Jackie and has three children - John, Rachel and Chloe.

General Information

Ballyrashane Presbyterian Church is located on the Ballyrashane Road, Coleraine and has a congregation of around 170 families.

Kirk Session

As in all Presbyterian Churches the Kirk Session comprised of the minister and elders has responsibility for the spiritual oversight and government of the congregation. However the Kirk Session is subject to the local Presbytery which is itself under the control of the General Assembly. The Coleraine Presbytery is made up of representatives of all the Presbyterian Churches in the Coleraine area.

Elders

Elders are elected by the members of the congregation. Each has direct responsibility for a district of some 12 families and seeks by visitation and other means to spiritually assist those under his care. There are 14 Elders in the Ballyrashane Congregation.

Congregational Committee

The Committee is primarily responsible for the material affairs of the Congregation and for the care of those in need. It also has responsibility for promoting the missions of the Church. The Congregation elects the committee normally for a three year term. The officers are appointed from within the committee and serve the functions of Secretary, Treasurer, Property Convener, Missionary Secretary, Media Convener, Care Convener and other posts of the congregation.

Members

The Kirk Session will accept as full communicant members of the congregation those who have been baptised, who make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord and whose character is consistent with such a profession. They will be expected to attend communicant class, an interview with Elder and Minister and to state briefly before the Kirk Session their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Kirk Session may also admit to full membership those who have received a satisfactory recommendation from their previous congregation. A communion roll is kept and revised every year. All Leaders of Organisations and Officer Bearers should be full communicatant members approved by Kirk Session and Minister.