Church Leaders
Chris Whiteley
Chris is a retired Baptist minister. His family are scattered over the country, Rebecca, Justin, Joel and Amelia live in Woodley, just outside Reading, Matthew, Jessica, Joshua and Henry live in Cambourne, just outside Cambridge. Chris was a minister for 35 years, serving churches in Enfield and Macclesfield. Before working in the church, Chris was a Technical Author, writing service manuals for heavy engineering equipment and home entertainment items. His favourite things these days are reading, walking and watching Macclesfield FC. Since retirement Chris has used his gifts in a wide range of activities, serving as a Chaplain with Macclesfield Town FC, helping out a church in Fuerteventura and acting as Chair of Hope in North East Cheshire, a co-operative of 38 churches who come together for mission. Chris lives in Macclesfield. He is also a keen Manchester United supporter.
Geoff Warr
Geoff is married to Julie and have two grown up boys and four grandchildren. He gave his life to Christ at age 16… “It was the best decision I have ever made.” He was involved in youth work and later became part of a leadership team at his local church, first in Hazel Grove and then in Poynton. Geoff trained in management studies and ran his own business in manufacturing for most of his working life. He took early retirement and decided to go to Bible College where he graduated with an honours degree in theology in October ’23. Geoff is passionate about sharing the Bible and the person of Jesus with others. “Being part of the triumvirate at Life Church Wilmslow is a wonderful opportunity to work with Chris and Mark and serve both the body of Christ and beyond.”
Mark Fellows
Mark has been married to Hannah for 44 years; they have 1 son, 3 daughters, 8 assorted grandchildren and 3 beautiful Burmese cats rehomed from a breeder. They have lived in Whaley Bridge for 16 years having previously lived in East Anglia. Mark spent much of his working life project managing the building of a range of luxury sailing yachts. His early passion was sailing starting in dinghies and quickly moving to offshore sailing. He has crossed the Atlantic a number of times and sailed in many parts of the world, particularly enjoying all forms of racing and making long passages. Stress and subsequent illness forced Mark to retire early on medical grounds and advise. He would say that his higher education has been and continues at the “University of Life lived so far”. Mark became a Christian aged 40, some 31 years ago. He would say that he is a charismatic evangelical Christian. In summary, I am who/what I am, I’m not what I should be, but by the grace of God, I’m not what I was. No experience has ever been wasted. Mark supports Ipswich Town FC.
Trustees
Alan Charlesworth (Chairman)
I’ve lived in Wilmslow with my wife, Marg, and two kids, Poppy and Phoebe, since 2006. Having spent most of my career in business I now work part-time as Grants Officer for the P27 Trust as well as being a trustee for Life Church Wilmslow and for Decibel Training. Marg has worked in the library service for many years. We have been a part of LCW since 2018. We were previously at Poynton Baptist Church where I co-ordinated the regular “interactive” (café-church) services.
Marion White
Marion & Rob moved to Wilmslow around 10 years ago where, after giving some oversight to a mission team there, they started Life Church Wilmslow, with Revolution Bar as a venue. They were both involved in Spring Harvest speaking & leadership for 29 years (can’t be true!). Marion has been a Trustee of Press Red since its inception. Press Red is raising awareness of violence against women, nationally & globally in many different ways and looks to provide support and help. Originally trained as a primary teacher Marion studied part-time for a BA degree in Theology and graduated in 1999. Years ago Marion & Rob wrote a book together, ‘My Family: My Church’, & have written numerous articles. They have also regularly broadcast on the BBC, Premier Radio and other media.
Jen White
Jen has been a part of Life Church Wilmslow for nearly 10 years, watching the church change shape, but not change mission!
Jen is keen to see the local church be the foundation to a healthy community in which people can find hope, rest and love. Married to Greg they have two children who share Jen’s love for ‘competitive’ sport. Jen is often found on a hockey pitch or supporting her children at football and swimming events.
In her daytime job, Jen is a full-time producer for sport campaigns and has worked with some football heroes.
Mark Owen
Mark, and his wife Sam (and dog Tilly) first began attending LCW in 2019, after spending many years worshipping at Ford’s Lane Bramhall. Mark lives in Bramhall and he and Sam have a ‘blended’ family comprising 4 ‘boys’ (aged 23 to 27) and of course Tilly, their 8 year-old RSPCA rescue Lurcher. Before retiring from full-time work in December 2021, Mark had been a self-employed solicitor for 36 years working in the regulatory field, principally for two main clients. He now works part-time for those same two clients, as and when the need arises. In what little free time that he had whilst working full-time, Mark enforced laws of a different kind on the rugby field as a rugby referee. Semi-retirement means that he can now spend more time with family (his 92 year-old Mum now lives in a care home in Bramhall); holidaying in the UK with his ‘two girls’; gardening and walking, and pursuing one of the other loves in his life; ‘Am Dram’ at CHADS theatre. He could be seen ‘treading the boards’ last year in two performances, and is due to appear again later in 2023 in Agatha Christie’s The Hollow. Mark is delighted to have been asked to be one of the Trustees at LCW and is looking forward to serving in that capacity over the coming years.
Treasurer
Martin Ellison
Martin has been LifeChurch Treasurer for several years, but is keen to point out he is not, and never has been, an accountant.
Before retirement, Martin worked in banks and building societies, managing IT departments. But his hands-on knowledge of technology dates from the days when computer programs were written on punched cards, so do not expect him to understand anything about current-day technology.
He enjoys travelling and keeping fit, skiing, cycling and occasionally running (he was a good runner, but that was a long time ago…). He is also a keen bridge player. Martin is married to Helen, a retired doctor.
Special Advisors
Rob & Marion White
Rob & Marion moved to Wilmslow around 10 years ago where, after giving some oversight to a mission team there, they started Life Church Wilmslow, with Revolution Bar as a venue. Rob was Senior Minister of Poynton Baptist Church for 12 years, then led an apostolic network called Mainstream. Prior to that he was National Director of Youth for Christ in the UK & Vice-Chair of their International Board. Rob keeps his interest in young people by being a Trustee of The Message Trust (remember The Tribe?). Marion became very involved in speaking out about human trafficking, having been out to Mumbai and, as a result, she & Rob together with Ben & Deb Cooley organised a major event in November 2008 called The Stand, which attracted nearly 6,000 people to the Birmingham NEC, which gave rise to co-founding Hope for Justice, whose mission is to investigate cases of human trafficking & rescue the victims, also to call the church to action, fighting against it. They have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren and, every time they say that, they realise they’re not as young as they used to be!
Life Group Leaders
