Saying goodbye is never easy

Some of the recent Former Staff and Trainee's at Carlisle Baptist.

Hazel Naylor (2020-2021)

Hazel is our current ministry trainee and joined the church in September 2020 having completed her studies at Oxford University.

Hazel studied at the North West Ministry Training Course as part of her training.

Peter Simpson (2015-2017)

Peter hails from Northern Ireland and has been living in Carlisle and part of Carlisle Baptist Church since 2013. He is married to the wonderful Holly who is currently working full time looking after the new addition to their family; baby Ben.

Peter moved to Carlisle originally to work as a Software Developer with Operation Mobilisation. In September 2015 he joined the team at Carlisle Baptist as a Ministry Trainee and studied at the North West Ministry Training Course.

Before having a baby, Peter used to enjoy travelling, cooking food for friends, reading fantasy novels, walking in the Lakes, and getting beaten by Holly in Bananagrams.

Joel Higson (2010-2015)

Joel was born in Bury and grew up in a Christian family. At the age of 13 he became a Christian and was baptised. He has since grown in his knowledge, love and faith in God. Joel spent 3 years at Lancaster University studying geography and was part of Moorlands church.

After graduating in 2010, he moved to Carlisle to help with the ‘fresh start’ at Carlisle Baptist Church as our Ministry Trainee. Joel spent two years studying on the North West Training Course in Leyland. From September 2012 Joel joined the church staff as our full-time, youth and families worker.

In his spare time Joel enjoys cycling, baking, walking and the outdoors. He drinks both coffee and tea (milk no sugar).

Caz Toye (2013-2015)

Caz grew up in Coleraine, Northern Ireland and became a Christian at 15. Her faith and understanding of God has grown since then which has been supported by being a part of First Coleraine Presbyterian Church for 6 years.

Caz came to Carlisle in 2011 to study a postgraduate degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Cumbria. Carlisle Baptist quickly became her church away from home where she became an associate member and was baptised in 2012. Since finishing university Caz joined the team at Carlisle Baptist Church in 2013 to serve as a Ministry Trainee and studied at the North West Ministry Training Course.

In her spare time you will find Caz enjoying music, spending time with friends and adventuring into the Lakes. She will not say no to a game of squash and has represented her country in volleyball.