Meet the Team

HandsElim Community Church Carlisle is supported by many people who help in many ways to support the ministry and work of the church.

The Ministers and Elders are responsible for day-to-day decisions and leadership.

Ministry Team

Alan Meyer

Alan Meyer

Senior Minister

Alan moved to Carlisle in 1994, having previously led Churches at Cannock, in Staffordshire, and Southport, Lancashire. He is married to Gail.

Alan is responsible for leading the team, and is passionate about seeing the Church in the City make an impact upon the community, and in particular, communicating the love of Christ to people who are presently untouched by any effective Church ministry.

David Allen

David Allen

Associate Minister

David joined the team in Carlisle in September 2022 following 3 years ministry at Lakeside Church in Southport. Prior to that he and his wife, Esther, were Elim missionaries in Cambodia and led the work there for 9 years.
David has a heart for mission and is passionate about the local church.

He is very excited to be part of a church that strives to spread the love of Jesus within the local community.

Ruth Whiffen

Ruth Whiffen

Administrator and PA to the Minister

Originally from Northampton, Ruth and her husband, David, moved to Carlisle in August 2003. Ruth joined the team as Alan’s PA in August 2007, and later took over as Church Administrator as well.

Jean Ranson

Jean Ranson

Family Ministry Coordinator

The Children’s Ministry is supervised and led by Jean Ranson. Jean is a trained teacher and has been a Christian since 1984 and joined the church in 1992. Jean is responsible for around 20 volunteer staff and leaders as well as the children involved in her departments.

Jill Wheatley

Jill Wheatley

Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre Manager

Jill has lived in Carlisle for all but 6 years of her life. She was brought up in the Salvation Army, where she met her husband John, and they joined Elim Carlisle in 1986. She joined the staff team in October 2009 as Centre Manager for our CAP Debt Counselling Centre and has a real heart for the poor and marginalised in the City.

Jane Fearon

Jane Fearon

Christians Against Poverty Debt Coach

Elders

The Elders are responsible for the oversight and development of the Church, and it’s staff, and consists of the Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, our 2 Ministers currently serving in Paraguay and the following Elders:

  • John Ranson 
  • Chris Vernon
  • Claire Wamsley 
  • Christine Orr (Pastoral Care)
  • Helena Cowling 
  • Mal Tabb