Derek Bell has been named the new director of development for Free Will Baptist Family Ministries.

Bell, who started in his new role on Monday, was formerly the pastor at First Free Will Baptist Church in Church Hill.

He has been a member of the Free Will Baptist Family Ministries Board of Trustees since 2005, and has served as the chairman of the board since 2009, a news release stated.

His past experience is in sales, counseling, management, vision casting and leadership.

"We are thrilled to have Derek on our team here at Family Ministries," said Frank Woods, chief executive officer and president of Free Will Baptist Family Ministries.

"Derek's love for our ministry, wealth of experience and service to Family Ministries made him the best candidate for this position."

In his new role, Bell's responsibilities will include church development, cultivation of relationships to facilitate the growth of Family Ministries, assistance to the Board of Trustees, staff management and leadership.

"I am very excited to be joining the team at Family Ministries," Bell said in the news release.

"I consider it a great honor to be able to work with Frank Woods and the staff at Family Ministries. This decision has been somewhat tough for me and my family, but I know with God's guidance it is where I am supposed to be."

Bell and his wife, Missy, have two children and reside in Church Hill.

He attended Southeastern Free Will Baptist College and Andersonville Theological Seminary and holds a bachelor's degree in theology.

The news release states that Free Will Baptist Family Ministries, headquartered in Greeneville, has been providing unconditional love and support to young people and their families since 1939 through residential group homes, The Hope Center and The Oaks Retreat Center.

FWBFM is expanding its services to a new population group with the Laurels Retirement and Assisted Living Center, and Governor's Bend Retirement and Assisted Living Center in Erwin, expected to open later this month.