Rev. George Mackenzie began ministry in October 1986 when he was commissioned as a Youth Pastor at Whitley Bay Baptist Church (and served there until 1990), and returned 21 years later to become the first pastor of Whitley Lodge Baptist Church in October 2007.

George worked mainly in computing since leaving school and was a senior lecturer in Computer Studies at Stevenson College in Edinburgh for about 9 years prior to taking up the position with Whitley Bay Baptist in 1986.  From 1990 to 1994 he studied at the Scottish Baptist College, while serving as assistant pastor at Dedridge Baptist in Livingston.  He then moved to become pastor at Selkirk Baptist church www.selkirkbaptistchurch.org.uk where the church saw significant growth over the next 10 years, before moving to gain some valuable experience as Associate Pastor for Family Life at Cumberland Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia, USA for nearly two years. www.cumberlandchurch.org

After discussion and prayer George was called to Whitley Lodge Baptist Church in September 2007.