Our Vision
Love God – Love People
At Central Church, we believe the kind of church God calls us to be is one that keeps the main thing the main thing: to love God and to love people.
When Jesus was asked by religious leaders, “What is the greatest commandment?” it was no small question. At the time, there were 613 individual laws within the religious system—debated and discussed for centuries by scholars and scribes. Yet Jesus cut through the complexity with a simple, powerful response that captured the heart of what God expects from His people:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30–31)
These words aren’t just a nice idea—they are the foundation of everything we do. Every service, every programme, and every ministry at Central Church is designed to help people grow in their love for God and their love for others.
Ben Ritchie
Senior Pastor
Ben became the senior leader of Central Church in January 2013 after five years as Associate Pastor.
A born and bred Brocher, Ben has a deep love for Fraserburgh and a passion to see people from all walks of life come into a personal relationship with Jesus. He is married to Val, and they have three children: Shannon, Ben Jr., and Sienna.
As Senior Pastor, Ben provides spiritual oversight, teaching, vision, and pastoral care. Alongside preaching and leading the staff team, he is committed to raising new leaders, guiding the church through seasons of growth, and keeping our values centred on Christ. His approach is both relational and outward-looking—building a church that reaches beyond its walls to impact the community.
Ben also serves as an elder and leads the pastoral team, offering guidance and support as they care for the church family.
The Pastoral Team
Lisa Lyall
Associate Pastor
Lisa is a lifelong member of Central Church and has played a vital role in shaping its life and mission over the years. After pioneering Kids No Limits in 2002—a ministry that has impacted hundreds of children—she has since transitioned into a broader role within the church.
Lisa now oversees several key areas of church life, including Generations, Community, and Central Invercairn. She continues to bring leadership, insight, and care across a wide range of ministries, helping to ensure that people of all ages are connected, supported, and growing in faith.
Monica Jack
Pastoral Care
Monica plays a key role in the life of Central Church through her involvement in pastoral care and discipleship. As part of the pastoral team, she meets regularly with individuals to offer support, encouragement, and prayer—walking alongside people through the joys and challenges of life.
She also heads up our Life Groups ministry, helping to create spaces where people can grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and experience authentic community. In addition, Monica is part of the teaching team, bringing biblical insight and wisdom to the wider church.
Madison Ogston
Kids Lead
Madison is the Kids Pastor at Central Church, leading with energy, creativity, and a big heart for the next generation. She oversees Glo, our Friday night kids programme, as well as Sunday Kids Church, creating fun, faith-filled environments where children can learn about Jesus.
Madison is also active in our local community, regularly delivering school assemblies in primary schools across Fraserburgh and the surrounding areas. She serves as part of the wider pastoral team in a developmental role, continuing to grow in leadership while investing deeply in the lives of children and families.
Mark Morrison
Youth Lead
Mark is the Youth Pastor at Central Church, overseeing all aspects of youth ministry and creating spaces where young people can grow in faith, community, and purpose. He is also part of the church’s teaching team, bringing messages to equip the wider church.
In addition, Mark serves on the pastoral team in a developmental role. He is passionate about equipping the next generation with truth and empowering them to follow Jesus boldly. Mark is married to Andrea, and together they are dedicated to serving and supporting the youth and wider church community.
Alison West
Operations
Alison began working at AOG Central in April 2013, bringing with her a background in administration from her time at local estate agents Masson & Glennie. She started as an administrator, providing essential support in the early days of her role. Over time, her responsibilities grew, and she now serves as the Head of Operations, overseeing the operational side of church life and ensuring the smooth and efficient running of day-to-day activities. Alison plays a key role in coordinating logistics, managing resources, and supporting the church’s various ministries so they can focus on their work.
Alison’s attention to detail, organisational skills, and dedication have made her an invaluable member of the team. She is married to Victor and has two children, William and Aimee. Outside of work, Alison enjoys spending time with her family and contributing to the wider community
Leadership
The Board (Elders)
Church Leadership Team
We believe that the Gospel is good news for EVERYONE! We desire to be a church that reflects its founder, Jesus, who didn’t exclude anyone but embraced everyone who drew near to him. Rich or poor, familiar or foreign, saint or sinner; Jesus was indiscriminate in his love for people… and so should we be!
We aim to be less like a courtroom and more like a hospital, leading people to a Saviour who can heal, restore and forgive. As Billy Graham so eloquently once said, “it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge, and my job to love.”
Someone once said that the two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why. Most of us know when we entered the world, but the search for the reason why has often puzzled people throughout the ages.
We believe that God created us with a plan in mind (Jeremiah 29:11) and that He calls us to Him according to that purpose (Romans 8:28). As such we want to help people discover their God-given destiny, for without purpose life is motion without meaning, activity without direction, and events without reason.
Our goal is to help people become personally devoted to God, not perpetually dependent on a pastor. Like the early believers in the book of Acts, we want to be consistent in our commitment to:
- The Word of God
- Gathering together for fellowship
- Remembering Jesus’ sacrifice
- Prayer
- Giving
- Worship
As such, these things are strategically interwoven into many of our services and activities. Our methods may change, but our message remains grounded within these timeless practices.
AOG Central is not a church that expects everyone to have it all together. But we are a church that expects everyone to stick together, because we believe the Bible reveals God’s desire for His people to remain in unity.
Unity does not mean uniformity. We embrace difference and celebrate diversity, but we are strongly opposed to division. Whilst we can each have a part to play, it must always be for the benefit of the whole body. Our personal preference is always secondary to our shared purpose; therefore it is never about “me” and “my”, but rather “we” and “our”.