LISBON — Lisbon Falls Baptist Church announced changes and additions to its pastoral team, resulting in expanded and continuing ministries at the church located at 555 Lisbon St.

The Rev. Jonathan Jones, formerly the assistant pastor, has stepped up as a lead pastor of Lisbon Falls Baptist Church after former pastor Steve DeGroft resigned to pursue new ministry opportunities.

Jones began his new role on June 6. Among other responsibilities, Jones will focus on preaching and the oversight of Lisbon Falls Christian Academy, a K-12 school. He, his wife, Laura, and their children have been serving at the church for seven years.

A new addition to the leadership team, John Alden, will also be serving as a lead pastor of Lisbon Falls Baptist Church. The church hired Alden on June 28. He and his wife, Cynthia, of Topsham have been attending Lisbon Falls Baptist Church since 1986. He became a part-time staff member of the church in 2007 in order to expand the church’s counseling ministry.

Formerly an occupational physical therapist and athletic trainer, Alden earned a master’s degree in counseling and is certified by the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors. As a full-time staff member of the church, he hopes his new position will allow even more people to benefit from counseling.

“Our goal would be to expand the counseling ministry into the community,” Alden said. “We feel a strong need to emphasize the people ministry of the church.”

Brian Ganong, the third member of the church’s pastoral team, continues in his role as lay pastor, focusing on administrative and discipleship ministries.

Lisbon Falls Baptist Church, a congregation of approximately 220 parishioners, offers two Sunday services at 9:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. and a Thursday prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about the church, counseling and other ministries, or Lisbon Falls Christian Academy, visit the church website at www.lisbonfallsbaptist.org or call 353-8518.