Pastor
Trudi Smyth
Pastor
Trudi and her husband, Robert, are originally from Northern Ireland and have lived in England since 2005. Trudi served as a pastor in Malvern from 2009 before becoming Co-Lead Pastor of Beacon Elim Church in 2022 and Lead Pastor in 2026. She is passionate about helping people of all ages encounter God’s love, grow as disciples of Jesus and find a place to belong within the church family.
Elders
Ian Long
Elder
Ian became a Christian at the Malvern Showground in 1982. He is married to Jane, who is a spiritual director, and they have two beautiful daughters. Ian works as an illustrator and author, creating resources to help people engage with their feelings. He loves meeting new people over a meal and a glass of wine. He is currently our point leader for children’s work.
Gillian Sheail
Elder
Gillian has been involved in adult teaching, coaching and project management and now enjoys volunteering locally and walking in the hills. She loves being creative and spending time with family and friends.
Tim Sheail
Elder
Tim moved to Malvern in 2023, returning to Worcestershire after a career in social housing.
Now retired, he enjoys time with family, walking and running in the hills and volunteering with a local charity. He is married to Gillian.
Staff & Volunteer Team
Jessica Last
Families, Children’s & Youth Worker
Jessica is passionate about supporting children, young people and families as they grow in faith. She is committed to creating warm, welcoming, fun and inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued, encouraged and supported. Alongside her role at Beacon Elim, Jessica is studying for a bachelor’s degree with honours in Theology. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, crafts and trying new recipes!
Helen Richardson
Safeguarding Coordinator
Helen and her husband Geoff came to Malvern in 2009. Helen managed the Sugarloaf Cafe for ten years and before that worked with children , both as a childminder and as Sunday school leader.
Helen enjoys spending time with her family, likes walking on the hills and in the meadows, pottering in the garden, growing vegetables, and cooking. She and Geoff enjoy having guests in their home.