ONE OF Britain’s largest Pentecostal denominations has made history by appointing a black woman to serve in the role of executive director.

Olivia Amartey, who was formerly senior leader in the NHS and also worked as director of social responsibility for the Diocese of Lichfield, takes up her position in July.

Amartey will be responsible for overseeing the charity’s operations, strengthening Elim Missions and ministry while ensuring the organi- sation complies with charity law.

An ordained Elim minister, she was minister at Crosspoint Church, the Elim church plant she pioneered in Great Barr, north-west Birmingham, in 2015. Commenting on her new role, Amartey said: “The Elim movement represents nearly 5,000 churches across the UK, Ireland and overseas, and I’m excited to be a part of this challenging vision, supporting the national leadership team, the general superintendent, and the local churches towards dynamic growth. Elim has a fresh approach to sharing the gospel of Christ.

“It knows where it is going and has a strong heart for people and the diverse communities that they serve. Deploying effective business leadership and skills to achieve this mission is my top priority.”

After coming to faith, Amartey’s formative years were within the Church of God of Prophecy. In 1998, she joined Elim initially as a member of Zion Christian Centre in Halesowen.

She then moved to Birmingham Christian Centre in 1999 where she served in various leadership positions including as an assistant pastor culminating as an elder and minister in training under senior pastor, Mark Ryan.