Alastair has been Pastor at Riverside since April 1994.

Prior to that he was a Secondary schoolteacher for almost 25 years, primarily in Hamilton, where he taught Physical Education and Religious Education. He experienced God’s call to full-time Christian ministry in a profound and dramatic way in 1992/93 which led to his coming to Ayr.

Alastair is married to Jean, his longsuffering wife, soul mate and constant support, and they have one son, Ross, who is married to Christine. Ross, (who is an anaesthetist), when asked about his choice of career said, “I wanted to go into the same line of work as my dad – putting people to sleep”. A foul slander on Alastair’s preaching!

Ian joined our staff in August 2004 on a part time basis after spending two years at the International Christian College in Glasgow. His responsibilities include teaching, preaching and pastoral care. He is involved in aspects of our youth work and has a special responsibility for ministry among the 20s and 30s age groups.

He became our Associate Pastor (Full time) in August 2005.

Ian was born in Aberdeenshire in 1968 but raised in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. He studied English Literature and Politics at Dundee University and then completed a qualification in teacher training at Northern College, Aberdeen before taking up a post at Elgin Academy in Morayshire. Ian spent eight years in Elgin, becoming a Principal teacher of Guidance, before returning to Ayrshire in May 2000.

It was his engagement to Emma that principally drew him back south - after all, as Burns wrote,"Auld Ayr, wham ne'er a town surpasses, For honest men and bonny lasses!" Ian and Emma were married at Riverside in July 2001.

Ian made a commitment to Christ as a teenager and from early days was aware of a 'pull' towards Christian service. He has been involved in a wide range of 'ministry' - from leading children's and youth clubs to working with students and spending a summer in Kashmir, India with Tearfund.

 On graduating from University, he declined full-time Christian work opportunities to train as a teacher. Experience gained in Elgin and at Garnock, particularly in the pastoral care of pupils, has been an invaluable part of his personal development. In early 2002, Ian became increasingly aware of a renewed attraction to Christian pastoral ministry. Emma and Ian discussed this with church leaders. With their consent and encouragement, Ian left his full-time employment in September to spend two years at ICC, studying towards a BA in Theology. During this time he was given increasing opportunities at Riverside to put his learning into practice. On completion of his course he was invited to join the church's staff for a year, on a part-time basis, to further his training. Ian also spent two days a week teaching English at a local secondary school.

Ian sees his role at Riverside as essentially helping people at all ages and stages make a connection between their faith in God and their daily lives. He desires to see Christians become more confident and creative in reaching out to their neighbours.

To help keep himself humble he supports Kilmarnock FC.

The New Testament makes clear that the leadership of a local church is the responsibility of 'elders' or 'overseers' (see Acts 14:23; & 20:28). Where size or conditions make it desirable, it would appear that 'deacons' (the word really means 'servants') were also to be appointed to support the elders in their work (see Acts 6:3; & Phillipians 1:1).

The qualities and standards required of elders and deacons are high, and are spelt out in 1 Timothy 3:1-13, and in Titus 1.5-9.

Leaders, in both Old and New Testaments, are repeatedly referred to as 'shepherds' (Ezekiel 34; 1 Peter 5:2-4; etc.), and it is from the idea of 'shepherds' that we derive the word 'pastors'.

Although a retired C.I.D. man he is very helpful and approachable.