Graham McBain

Ordained Baptist minister, pastoral supervisor and community development practitioner with more than 25 years’ experience helping people and communities thrive. Combines pastoral care and spiritual support with practical initiatives that reduce isolation, build confidence and widen participation.

Experience spans church leadership, cross-cultural mission, community health and education, and active travel with Sustrans / Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. A thoughtful, approachable leader who listens carefully, builds trusted partnerships and turns local needs into accessible opportunities for connection, learning and wellbeing.

Active Travel Project Officer at Nine Yards (2026-10 – Present)

• Work within a consortium of local charities delivering active travel provision across Tees Valley, with a focus on Hartlepool.
• Engage residents through public events, bike checks and conversations about travel choices and barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling.

Community Pastor at Headland Baptist Church (2023-01 – Present)

• Develop a listening-led community ministry, building relationships beyond church settings and supporting people facing loneliness, bereavement and mental health challenges.
• Established free barbering and bicycle repair activities as welcoming spaces for conversation, practical support, confidence and belonging.
• Build relationships with community organisations, recovery groups, faith groups and refugee and asylum-seeker communities; connect people with appropriate support.

Pastoral Supervisor at Independent practice and St Luke’s for Clergy Wellbeing (2020-09 – Present)

Partnership with St Luke’s since November 2024

• Provide structured, confidential supervision for ministers and church leaders across denominations, supporting reflective practice, resilience and sustainable ministry.
• Help practitioners explore complex situations, maintain boundaries and make considered decisions about their work and wellbeing.

Project Assistant at Sustrans / Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (2023-12 – 2026-07)

• Organised and delivered learn-to-ride sessions, maintenance courses, Dr Bike sessions and community rides, adapting support to participants’ needs and confidence.
• Repaired and refurbished donated bicycles, supporting reuse, access to affordable transport and the development of practical skills.
• Developed partnerships with councils, businesses and community groups; supported volunteers and welcomed people facing financial, health and social barriers.
• Worked within safeguarding, health and safety and risk assessment procedures; helped coordinate a facilities improvement to remove a trip hazard.

Pastoral Facilitator at Northern Baptist Association (2023-01 – 2024-03)

• Supported ministers across approximately 50 churches through pastoral contact, peer-support gatherings and connections with regional support.

Senior Pastor at Redhill Baptist Church (2017-09 – 2022-12)

• Led strategy, pastoral care, safeguarding, staff and volunteers within a church of approximately 180 members; supported people through bereavement, change and complex circumstances.
• Developed community partnerships, including establishing a bicycle donation drop-off centre with The Bike Project and Suez in 2021.

Gatwick Area Network Minister at South East Baptist Association (2019 – 2022)

Also served as Gatwick Area Network Minister, South East Baptist Association (2019–2022), providing pastoral support and strengthening relationships across 13 churches.

Associate Pastor and Head of Adult Ministries at Upton Vale Baptist Church (2011-04 – 2017-04)

• Led adult discipleship, pastoral care, small groups and volunteer teams; developed lay leaders and encouraged wider community participation.
• Helped develop free community festivals with charities, businesses and local authorities, bringing people together through accessible public events.

Overseas Worker and Project Manager at BMS World Mission (2002-08 – 2011-04)

• Led a local church in Tirana and pioneered community education and health projects, including an English-language school and a community health service.
• Worked with local leaders, health professionals and public authorities to shape services around local need, develop local leadership and build sustainable partnerships.

Minister at Oxlow Lane Baptist Church (1998 – 2002)

Earlier ministry: Minister, Oxlow Lane Baptist Church, Dagenham (1998–2002), with responsibility for pastoral care, worship, outreach and volunteer coordination.

Bachelor of Divinity – Spurgeon’s College (1998)