Pastor Billy Jones and his wife, Agnes, have accepted God’s call to Banbridge Baptist Church following ten very happy years at Dunseverick Baptist, outside Bushmills.
Certainly, the couple will look back on their time on the North Coast with much fondness. Billy was quick to say that the sense of acceptance they have felt there has been a highlight of their ministry.
It may surprise some people to read that while the COVID-19 pandemic brought its challenges, Billy also states that the situation led to new outreach opportunities and greater spread of the Gospel. He remembered: “My predecessor had already launched the drive-in services and that meant that when COVID came and the government permitted this format of worship, we were ready.
“Remarkably, we managed to quadruple the size of our congregation through those drive-ins, which continue to this day during the summer. Cars and lorries appear; young farmers also come to show off their big gleaming tractors. I don’t really care as long as they hear the gospel”, smiles Billy.
Astonishingly given the circumstances, Billy recalls that he saw more people saved during the peak twelve months of the COVID pandemic that at any other time during his ministry in Dunseverick.
That includes one lady whom he led to the Lord over the telephone as he and Agnes were cutting peat at a moss. Tragically, the woman was suffering from an aggressive form of cancer which became terminal and she later passed away. However, that was not before the transformation in the woman’s life became evident through her social media posts and other interactions.
Some of those drive-in events became memorable community occasions when BBQs were held and money was raised for fantastic causes such as the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance, The Gideons and Cancer Research.
As a keen sports fan and hockey umpire, Billy has also enjoyed serving as Chaplain to both Coleraine and Ballymoney Hockey Clubs. There, he relished the chance to interact with players and coaches, showing compassion and sharing about the love of Christ when he could.
Billy also occupied the same role at Coleraine Football Club. As part of this, he had the opportunity to volunteer at a game in the Women’s U19 European Championships which the French National side enjoyed a 4-1 victory. Feeling drawn to a particular couple, Billy soon discovered that they were the parents of one of the squad’s most gifted players. As they talked, it became apparent that they needed a place to stay for the night and a lift to Aldergrove Airport the following day. Immediately, Billy knew that the Lord was prompting him to offer hospitality to these people who were to spend the night with Agnes and himself.
That was not before a trip to the Giant’s Causeway where the visitors marvelled at God’s incredible stonework.
Billy and Agnes formerly served as missionaries in Brazil and have retained a love for that nation and its people. On hearing that a Brazilian boxer was fighting at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Billy sent a good luck message. This led to a personal invitation to the bout from the boxer himself. On arrival at the Europa Hotel where the athlete in his team were staying, Billy was pressed into service as a cornerman during the fight and ended up being seen by millions on Sky TV!
Undoubtedly, Billy maintains that his biggest privilege has been representing the Lord to the people in Dunseverick and community that surrounds it.
He says: “We are leaving with mixed emotions. There’s a sadness, but there’s an absolute peace. This is the right time for the Lord to take us on a new journey and for the church as well to start this journey of looking towards the Lord for a pastor in Dunseverick Baptist.”
He went on to say: “I feel the two things have come together at God’s providential time on his way. And it’s nice when you’re leaving the place with much fondness and genuinely know that if I return to visit, I will be very welcome.”
Billy and Agnes said farewell on the people of Dunseverick Baptist Church on Sunday, 30th August 2026. He will be installed as Pastor at Banbridge on Saturday 12th September 2026 and is excited to be joining God’s people there.
Discover more about Dunseverick Baptist Church on their Facebook page.