Kathryn Belmont

Position within the church: Youth Pastor

How long have you been a Christian?
I have been a Christian for my whole life and was blessed to be brought up in a Christian family.  I can remember a specific moment, at the age of 14, when I realised that I could actually have a relationship with God, and I committed to following Him seriously then.

How and why did you become a Christian?
I have been brought up in a Christian home and was always taken to church as I was growing up. I was always searching for God as a child but I remember being worried that I couldn’t seem to engage with Him, even though I really wanted to know God. I went to one church where I found it difficult to make friends, and from that point I just didn’t want to go anymore.

However when I was 10 years old, I started going to a new school where I met a very good friend who invited me to All Saints’. I started to go along to the youth group and different services, made good friends, learned more about God, and saw my friends worshipping. From this point I believe I matured more and more in my faith, and finally when I was in Secondary School I remember being in the worship and actually wanting to worship God. I remember realising at that point that I could have a relationship with God and that there was so much more to living a Christian life than I ever imagined before. I committed to God seriously then and have been on an amazing journey with God since then.

What are your hobbies and interests?
I’m passionate about Jesus and spending time with Him.  I love to spend time with my husband, John, and the rest of my family. I also love music and play keyboard and violin in the worship band at church. I love to shop (!), go to the cinema, watch box sets with John (24 and Prison Break are particular favourites)! I love to travel when possible and see different parts of the world and different cultures. I also like to see live music whenever possible – Take That and Beyonce have been highlights so far!

I am obviously really passionate about seeing young people come to have an amazing relationship with God, where they trust Him and follow His plan for their lives.  As well as this, alongside my work at All Saints’ I also lead a ministry called RISE which aims to equip and inspire teenage girls from across Stockton to lead passionately for God wherever He calls them.

I am a trustee of Tees Valley Youth for Christ which aims to ‘Reach the young people of the Tees Valley in relevant ways’.

Do you have any family who attend church?
My husband is the Treasurer at All Saints’ as well as a worship leader, and my mum is an Associate Minister.  My sister lives in Bristol at the moment but she attends when she is back at home, and my dad attends when possible.

What are your aspirations for All Saints’ Church for the next 12 months?
I believe that this is a really exciting time and that God is doing lots of amazing things at the moment.  I think this year is going to be significant for us to reach out to our local community.  We have many exciting things planned for the Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee as well as the Love Stockton mission, so I would just love to see us really come to know the people in our community and welcome them into our church.  I would love to see more people coming to know God and therefore see the church grow. I would also like to see people empowered to pray confidently and see
healings and miracles take place when they pray.

I’m really excited about the Youth Alpha course that we are starting to run and pray that we see young people come to know Jesus through this.  I’m also excited that we are able to work so closely with other youth workers from our local area, and believe that God is doing big things to unite the church across Stockton.  My hope for this year is that God gives us loads of opportunities to work together, support each other, encourage each other, and resource each other.

What are your long-term desires for All Saints’ Church?
My long term desire is that we would be a 21st Century Church and a welcoming, caring community that people really want to be part of.  My other desire is that we continue to listen to God’s voice, and do what He says.

Finally, what has been the best advice/guidance that somebody has given you as a Christian?
To cover everything that you do in prayer – I have seen such a difference in my life and ministry when I have really prayed about things, and I know that prayer is absolutely essential.