Our Teams

Dan is married to Sara and has eight children! He trained for eldership in the Free Methodist Church under our founding pastor, John Welsby, serving as Assistant until John handed over the baton in April 2021. He loves reading, theology, science fiction, playing and writing music and generally being creative!

Our church leadership team works closely with our pastor to care for our church family and to prayerfully plan and organise the day-to-day life, ministry and vision of Emmanuel. Leaders are appointed from among the membership every three years.

Our current leaders are Astrid, Robyn, Merv and Steph.

Our task team is responsible for the practical aspects of our life as a church. They are chosen from among the membership and appointed every three years. The Task Team meets throughout the year to pray and plan together.

Merv- Buildings and Grounds Coordinator

Astrid - Kitchen Coordinator

Jane and Jess - Safeguarding and Safekeeping Coordinators

Kees - Treasurer

Steve - Sound and Tech Coordinator

Sara - Cleaning Coordinator

Merv Palmer – Chair
Steph Palmer
Anna Williams – Safeguarding
Kees van der Spoel – Treasurer
Neale Gregson

At Emmanuel, membership is a covenant commitment between the church and the member. As members we wholeheartedly and visibly commit ourselves to Jesus and to the life, ministry, unity and fellowship of our local church family. As the church we promise to remain faithful to Christ, to care for and give a voice to our members, to create a safe space where we can grow in Christ together and to work together with them to bring glory to God in all things and fulfil His commission.

Members meet a minimum of three times a year to discuss, pray and have our Annual General Meeting. Church leaders, task team and ministry leaders are all chosen from among the membership. Nominations for these responsibilities are presented to members for an affirming vote every three years.

Anyone who has repented of their sin, put their faith in Jesus and been baptised is able to become a member at Emmanuel. Membership may also be transferred from another fellowship. We ask that all new congregants spend a year getting to know us before considering membership.

If you’d like to know more about membership at Emmanuel you can download our booklet ‘Exploring Church Membership.’

Through our history, Emmanuel has been a church that raises up, trains, and releases leaders into ministry. We long to see this continue to happen as part of our year round life as a church. As part of this vision we are currently seeking a year long intern for 2025.