About Us
OUR PASTORS
Pastors Sean and Michelle Leask are the Seniors pastors of Carmel City Church Bristol. They were appointed to the post in November 2022. They love God, love people and love life. Both are passionate about Jesus and empowering His church. They attended Rhema Bible training centre in South Africa and Ps Sean has attained his master’s degree in theology with a focus on Christian Leadership. Both are ordained ministers. Ps Sean is a visionary leader and a dynamic teacher of Biblical truths. Ps Michelle is passionate about empowering people to be all that God has called them to be and preaches the word with passion and fire. Their experience of working in the ministry for over 25 years is diverse, ranging in scope from working with children and young people, lecturing in bible colleges, to church leadership. They have always sought to keep Christ at the centre of their service. Married for 33 years they have two beautiful daughters and a handsome son. Ps Sean loves fishing and outdoor activities and Ps Michelle loves to sing, play her guitar and go for long walks, especially on the beach together.
Carmel’s mission statement is Luke 9:2:
‘He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick’
which was given to us in 1994. To achieve this, God gave us a 4-phase strategy: to cover our city, bless our neighbours, send to the nation and touch the world. The concept of ‘one Church, many locations’ is the Blueprint of the Mission, Strategy and Process that the vision of Carmel follows. Following this blueprint has seen the work flourish.
All vision comes from God and with this He gives a strategy for its fulfilment. Carmel’s vision is rooted in four basic instructions which align us with the book of Acts 2:42 (MEV)
“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers.”
MISSION AND VISION
OUR HISTORY
Carmel City Church was founded in 1996 by Pastors Gerri and Michelle Di Somma, having come with their family to the UK from South Africa. When in London, God spoke the name ‘Bristol’ to them and in obedience, they moved here to set up a Church and a Bible College. God brought them to teach His people to prosper and to live by faith. Carmel Church was started in Redcatch Community Centre in Knowle. In time they outgrew that space and moved to Unit D at the Paintworks, then purchased 817a on the Bath Road in 2004.