Who's Who

Dan Halpin

Elder and Lead Pastor

Dan became a Christian when he was 19 after he went to a course at a church to try and challenge Christianity and was blown away by the Jesus in the gospels. He continues to be surprised and in awe of Jesus and loves to see people grasp the treasures that are found in him for themselves. Before working for Emmanuel he spent 10 years working in local government in housing and homelessness whilst enjoying opportunities to do ministry at his local church in Kent. After spending three years training at a theological college Dan moved to Canterbury with his wife Pippa and their children Leo and Maisie. He loves music, pub walks and following the highs and (mainly) lows of Arsenal.

Jono Pick

Elder and Assistant Pastor

Jono grew up on the Isle of Thanet before moving to London aged 18. He studied jazz drums there for 4 years, and it was during this time that the message of Jesus really hit home for him. He spent the next season of life involved in Christian ministry in London before returning to Kent in the summer of 2024. He is married to Naomi, and they have 2 children (Tabitha and Fred). He enjoys reading, eating good food and following Premier League football.

Simon Cook

Elder

Simon came to know the Lord Jesus in his 20’s, after a friend faithfully showed him Jesus. He went on to discover that often bibles which are falling apart are read by people who aren’t. Since then he has grown in his love for the gospel. In his early Christian life, he taught children in Sunday school and youth clubs but is now involved in pastoral care, having completed all of the modules in Counselling with BCUK. He enjoys married life with Mary his wife and has five children with a growing number of grandchildren, who keep him fit. After working in various industries for 40 years as an engineer, he is now busy being retired!

James Linforth

Elder

James is a Man of Kent, growing up near Faversham and schooled in Broadstairs and Canterbury. In his late teens, James heard the bible explained clearly and attractively, which came as a surprise despite having attended many Church services. At University, it became clear to James that a decision had to be made about who Jesus is: mad, bad or God? After sitting on the fence for a little while, the compelling evidence of the empty tomb that first Easter prompted him to put his faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ, a decision he has never regretted. James works in London for a law firm and lives in a village outside Canterbury, with his wife Katie, their two sons, 4 hens and a fox red Labrador. To relax, James enjoys watching his sons play sport, pottering in the garden and the occasional round of golf.

Ed Gilchrist

Elder

Ed grew up in Dover but has spent time as an adult living abroad in Pakistan, France and the USA.  He now lives just outside Canterbury with his wife, Nicci, their two sons and Bonnie the dog. Having grown up in a Christian home, Ed remembers having been convinced of the historic truths of the gospel from an early age regarding the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins.  However it wasn’t until later teenage years that Ed truly bowed the knee to Jesus has Lord as well as Saviour. Ed works as the Finance Director for a software company in London and also serves as a Trustee for the charity Faith in Kids.  In his spare time, Ed enjoys being active and watching sport particularly Harlequins rugby and England cricket

Nial Aliyev

Elder

Nial was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and grew up along the shores of the Caspian Sea. While studying at university, curiosity led him to attend church, hoping to find evidence that Christianity was false. Yet, as he read the Messianic prophecies, especially Isaiah 53, his heart was deeply moved. The remarkable fulfilment of these prophecies, written centuries before Christ’s birth, and realised in His life, death, and resurrection, became undeniable. Confronted by this truth, Nial trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour.

A few years later, Nial married Olga, and together they moved to London with their young son. Their family has since grown, and they now live in Canterbury with their two sons and daughter.

Nial works for a Christian organisation as a Site Reliability Engineer and enjoys reading and watching programmes on science and technology, marvelling at God’s wisdom in creation.

Hannah Corke

Operations Manager

Hannah grew up in Kent and recently moved back here after 14 years in the Midlands. She is our Operations Manager 25 hours a week and spends the rest of the time with her husband John and their two little boys. They love making the most of being near the beach and spend as much time outside as they can. Hannah became a christian in her teens and has seen God sustaining her through every obstacle life brings.

Hannah Illsley

Children and Families Team Lead

Hannah grew up in Lancashire and came to know Jesus as her Lord and Saviour while studying at university in Enfield, north London. She remained there for 15 years before moving to Kent shortly after covid. Hannah has worked with children and young people in a range of school settings and has been involved in children’s ministry at church since becoming a Christian. She is married to Luke, and they have two children.

Emma de Jong

Administrator

Emma is our Administrator. She is married to Josef and has four children. Emma works part-time for the church and spends the rest of her time looking after the home and family.

Emma became a Christian in her teenage years when she came to rely on Jesus being an ever-constant friend in all areas of life.

In her free time, Emma loves to read, enjoys walks by the sea and spends time with family.

Richard Hagan

Richard has recently stepped back from his role as Senior Minister after faithfully leading Emmanuel Church since establishing the church 16 years ago. He is continuing his ministry in Canterbury as Director of the Kent Gospel Partnership, working two days a week.