Our Pastoral Team
Rev. Helen & Mark Robertson
We first met Helen in 1995 when she joined us as a student on placement whilst studying a BA in Theology & Christian Ministry at Elim Bible College. She remained with us as our Assistant Pastor from 1997-2000, as well as volunteering as a Prison Visitor across the road at HMP Stafford, and stepping into the role of Pentecostal Chaplain for one day a week.
Helen was invited to Elim Coventry as their Associate Pastor and served on leadership there for 13 years. During that time, she became the Director of Embrace, a Christian charity bringing together volunteers from across the churches of Coventry with a heart to reach out to the sex workers of the city. She also travelled extensively throughout Siberia, Russia for ISAAC, helping to set up an Association of Christian Drug Rehab Centres, facilitating HIV/AIDS training to their teams and networking across church streams.
In 2012, Helen met Mark and his two young daughters, Becky & Phoebe. They married on Easter Day 2013. The girls have recently finished University, and are looking forward to settling into their new careers.
Since 2014, Helen has been the Lead Pastor at our church in Oldbury, and has served on Elim’s Ministerial Selection Board since 2019. During her ministry there, Bethel has become a lovely, vibrant and healthy community where people are discovering Jesus and growing in their faith.
Helen & Mark have been with us since June 2023, and we’re looking forward to the next chapter of our journey together!
Our Staff
Debbie Winnington
Debbie joined us after Bible College in 2000, and has been an Elder at Hope for a number of years. She is incredibly pastoral, but has a heart to see the church break out of its walls! Since being appointed as our Social Action Coordinator in 2018, Debbie oversees outreach, FoodBank, Alpha and helps us with some general Church administration too.
Debbie is married to Dave and they have two teenage daughters, Grace and Naomi. The Winnington family also own and run their own farm locally.
Alan Addison
Alan started volunteering for our Toddler Group and now works as our caretaker, facilitating all our groups and activities by ensuring the building is ready for our guests throughout the week.
He and Vicky have two children Leah and Matthew…and their SheepaDoodle, Tilly is just great! Alan likes motorsport, spending time with the family, being outside and good coffee!
Need to get in touch? Email the church office and we’ll make sure he gets your message.
Gemma Barnwell
Gemma has been working for the church since 2013, but changed roles in February 2019. She is responsible for our Children and Families Department. She has a passion to help children get to know Jesus for themselves and to grow in their life as Christians.
Gemma is married to Mike and they have three children – Lizzie, Ben and Ali. She likes baking, crafts and spending time with friends and family.
Lauren Angus
Lauren has served with us in a variety of roles and is currently our Youth Worker & Church Administrator. Lauren’s role also includes some aspects of Church’s general administration, and she is studying at Regents Theological College part-time.
Lauren loves to tell people about Jesus. She also enjoys long walks, sunshine and good food!
Andy Simpson
Andy is married to Sue and they have two grown up sons who live in Yorkshire. He has been the Facilities Co-Ordinator since February 2018, but more recently has taken on the role of Finance Officer.
When he gets a spare minute, Andy enjoys DIY and reading, and is keen to encourage people to encounter God in prayer.
Our Eldership Team
Elim Hope Church 