Worshiping together for over 100 years
About us
Leigh Elim is more than just a church. We are a family!
A family, supporting each other in prayer, encouragement and sharing God’s truths.
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As the first Elim Church in England, based in Leigh-on-Sea, we have a heart for our local community and we aim to partner with the Holy Spirit to create an atmosphere that makes you feel welcome and at home when you walk through our doors.
From January 2023 we were joined by the Westcliff Elim Church congregation due the retirement of their Pastor Mike Wright.
We had our "Encounter Days" at Brentwood on 29 April '23 and 28 August.
Amazing times of worship, prayer, teaching & family fellowship
Leadership Team
Here you can learn more about the church leadership team.
John Young
Having stepped up from his long-standing role as Elder since the retirement of Pastors Derrick & Ann in November 2020, we are delighted to welcome John officially as our Pastor.
In his time at Leigh Elim, over 30 years, John has seen a lot of changes. But the biggest change is seeing peoples lives impacted in their relationship with God.
You will often find John behind a drum kit or helping man the sound desk, as well as preaching and supporting our church family!
In addition to pastoral care, John now oversees the Little Treasures Nursery and Childcare Centre at Westcliff Elim.
Iréne Young
Iréne, as well as being wife to John, heads up our music and worship teams within the church. As part of this, she has led a music workshop for budding musicians, and gets involved with organising worship for external events.
She is an active supporter of our Believers in Recovery group and is developing a worship team within them.
Iréne loves crafts and making cards, as you will probably soon realise when attending Leigh Elim.
Phil Purkiss
As well as taking charge of our amazing group of young people here at Leigh Elim, Phil is also our church Elder, supporting Pastor John and our church family.
He organises our youth events and clubs and is so encouraged by the faith of our young people, and the questions they ask as they explore more about who Jesus is and what their faith means to them.
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Phil is also involved with many other aspects of church life, including helping with our sound desk and preaching on a Sunday morning, whilst developing his ministry.
Maria Purkiss
Maria is our church secretary and admin. It doesn’t stop there though. Maria is part of our worship team, and supports Phil in leading the youth at Leigh Elim, as well a preaching on occasions too!
Maria loves finding new ways to serve God and encourage our young people and families.
Maria and Phil have two children, Bethlyn and Thomas.
Pauline Levitt
Pauline has been a member of our church for a long time and for many years has been a part of our wonderful Sunday School.
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Pauline's role is to oversee our Sunday School activities as we seek to teach our children more about Jesus and help them build foundations in their faith.
Maureen Bottley
Maureen is a great force of encouragement in our church family.
You will often hear and see Maureen passionately praying aloud in our Sunday services as well as continually encouraging our congregation throughout the week.
It's a delight to see how God continues to use Maureen as she continues to grow in the gifts God gives her.
Hannah Phaup
Hannah not only helps lead worship but is also in charge of the finances of the church.
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Hannah's servant heart is such a blessing to our team, and she often has worshipful and prayerful words of wisdom to encourage our church family, as well as most recently taking the brave step to the front to bring us God's Word on a Sunday morning.
Hannah is our media specialist for our Band app and Facebook
Find out more about Elim
As an Elim church, we share a set of foundational beliefs with all other Elim churches.
These can be found by clicking here!
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Not only are we an Elim church, but we were the first Elim Church in England!
More about our history can be found by clicking here!