A Deeside church has taken an innovative step to ensuring its young congregation continues to flourish.
Banchory East and West churches has a thriving youth membership, so to support it further a new minister has been ordained just for them.
Associate minister Amy Pierce, 33, is solely responsible for nurturing young people.
Mrs Pierce, who was ordained, last night said she hoped to increase awareness of the pitfalls and pressures that media and online interaction can bring and that her new role is part of an increasingly “relevant” and “modern” church.
A graduate of theology and divinity, Mrs Pierce believes the 24-hour nature of social media use means young people can “never switch off”.
She said: “It gets everywhere. The legacy of the youth ministry here is huge and I am so excited to be involved with it.
“After many years of trying to get to this point, this will be an affirmation of my calling.
“Young people need friends – real friends and of all ages too.”
Rev Tony Stephen, of Banchory West Church, described Mrs Pierce as a “shining example” of a young person trying to make a difference.
He added: “The reason I was drawn to Banchory in the first place was because this is a church community that puts young people and youth work firmly in the centre.
“We are deeply committed to building relationships that include, and value all generations; not because youth are the church of the future, but because youth are a crucial part of our community here and now.”
Last year, the church featured on the BBC’s One Show as Rev Stephen showed how people in the pews can ask him questions via a mobile app during sermons.
