James McConnell

The call of God came early to Pastor McConnell who was born on 15th May 1937 into the humble home of 14 Spring Street, East Belfast. Although orphaned at a young age he was not alone, for even at that early stage God was with him, preparing him to preach the Gospel and reach the lost. Under the supervision of Sunday school teacher Sammy Jamison he knelt down at an old bench in the Iron Hall and gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. He may only have been seven years old but James McConnell will tell you that it is still the greatest day of his life.

He was ordained to the Christian Ministry when 17 years old and just two years later began the Whitewell Church. The faithfulness shown by Pastor McConnell has certainly been rewarded as thousands have been converted to God through his ministry.

Despite being separated unto the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Pastor McConnell has remained unassuming to all who know him. His loyal wife Margaret and both daughters with their families all accept that the Gospel has first place in his life.

The desire for lost souls in James McConnell's life is such that he constantly encourages his members to knock doors, distribute tracts and to evangelise every area of this province - and he is prepared to lead by example. To this day the Tabernacle's senior pastor carries on preaching the old old story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. After all, it is that Gospel which has irrevocably been, and literally still is, the life of Pastor James McConnell.

George McKim

Pastor George was saved as a young man under the ministry of Pastor McConnell. After serving as an Assistant in Whitewell he and his wife Linda were called to lead a small church in Falkirk, Scotland. Under their leadership the church grew and enjoyed the blessing of the Lord.

It was always God's plan that in time they would return home to Whitewell and after pastoring The People's Church for over 20 years, George has come home to be Associate to Pastor McConnell. In time he will succeed Pastor McConnell as senior Pastor of the Tabernacle.

Willam McTernaghan

William has been a member of the Tabernacle from his teenage years. He was 15 when he first came to the Church. He entered the ministry 26 years ago. His engineering background became invaluable during the four building projects that Whitewell has undertaken.

Norman Hobson

Norman has been in full-time ministry for 25 years. After serving as Youth pastor for 10 years, he has been musical director at the Tabernacle for 15 years. A talented producer, Norman has scripted all the Choir musicals, and has written a number of the choir songs and worship choruses sung at the church.

Irwin Rea

Irwin has been a Pastor at the Tabernacle for 20 years. He has a real caring heart for people. A large part of his ministry is visitation of the many new converts and encouraging them as they begin their journey with the Lord.

Michael Bunting

Michael been Pastoring in Whitewell for 20 years. He has an anointed preaching ministry, and a love for the people of God. He loves to visit with people, encouraging and ministering to them.

Shaw Higgins

Shaw has been in full-time ministry in Whitewell for 14 years. Most of this time has been serving as Youth Pastor, until recently. In addition to visitation, he is also involved in the men's ministry within the Tabernacle.

David McClure

David has been on the Pastoral Staff at the Tabernacle for 7 years. Like most of the Pastors visitation is a large part of his work, but David also has a special ministry which focuses on people with addictions, including alcohol and drugs. The Lord has used him greatly in this area and he has been an encouragement to many.

David Murray

One of the younger members of the Pastoral Team at the Tabernacle, David has been in the ministry for 4 years. He has been greatly used helping children who have come to know the Lord at the Tabernacle. He is also involved in our Kenya missionary outreach and is responsible for the church exhibition stand at the huge Balmoral show held annually in Belfast.

Mark Penney

Mark is the Youth Pastor here at the Tabernacle, and like David he has been on staff for 4 years. Having so many young people in his care is hard work, but the Lord has really blessed this talented young man, as he continues to see the Whitewell youth grow both spiritually and numerically.

John McCreedy

John has been on staff for 7 years. Having been involved in missionary outreach for most of this time we are delighted to have him back home at the Tabernacle to minister among the people of God.

Linda McKim

Linda has shared the ministry with her husband George in Falkirk. Now that she is home she continues to minister especially among the ladies of the church. She has been greatly used in the ministry that God has given her.