Ayr Community Church

Love God, Love Others

Who We Are

The Salvation Army – it’s a name familiar to just about everyone. But, there is so much more to The Salvation Army than meets the eye! In every community where you find The Salvation Army, you will discover a ministry that is unique. And yet, the same mission drives us all: to actively reach out to others in the name of Jesus Christ, and to introduce each one to a loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

For more than a hundred and twenty years, The Salvation Army has been a vital part of the South Ayrshire evangelical and social community.

Although it’s mainly known for its social ministries, The Salvation Army is a thriving and relevant mainstream Christian Church. You can find us at 59 John Street. Everyone is welcome at our vibrant weekly worship services and our programmes which are relevant for people of all ages.

Our exciting Sunday morning worship starts at 10:45 am and is usually finished by 12:15 pm. A highlight of family worship is a “coffee and fellowship” time immediately after the service, where you get to meet people and chat about things that matter to you most.

The preaching and worship is bible-based and you probably can't worship anywhere else where a brass band accompanies the singing every week! Looking for a spiritual home? Come join our Army!

Call the Church Office at 01292 269 286 for more information.

Where We Are

We are located at 59 John St. (formerly the Wallacetown Church). There is a bus stop right outside our door and you may park on the street on Sundays. However parking fills up very quickly!

Upcoming Events

Future happenings will be displayed here

Leadership

Life in this congregation is exciting, challenging and fulfilling – just as Jesus intended it to be, with many interesting and exciting activities for children, teenagers and adults alike. New ventures and traditional activities sit happily side by side in this friendly all-encompassing congregation.

We are led by the full-time, ordained, minister/pastor husband-and-wife team of Captains Les and Emma Heal.

Captain Les Heal

les.heal@salvationarmy.org.uk
((Need Bio Info))

Captain Emma Heal

emma.heal@salvationarmy.org.uk
((Need Bio Info))

Captains Emma & Les were appointed as Corps Officers/Ministers with responsibilities for the Salvation Army’s congregations in both Ayr and Kilmarnock. They were appointed to additional ministry in Ayr in April 2025 having served the Kilmarnock community for eight years. As well as responsibilities for the work of The Salvation Army in both locations they also serve as pastors for Ayr and Kilnarnock Colleges and as Ecumenical Liaisons for other christian faith communities in South and East Ayrshire.

Volunteer Administration Team

Our lay leaders support the work of our Officers/Ministers helping to ensure that all who interact with us receive sensitive pastoral care so we can use every opportunity to introduce people to Jesus Christ.

Robin Black

Corps Sergeant Major/Principal Lay Elder

As the senior lay leader within the church, the Corps Sergeant Major supports the church leaders in pastoral care and ensures the smooth operation of our ministries in the absence of the full-time officers.

Bobby Irvine

Bandmaster/Music Ministries Elder

The bandmaster/music ministries leader is responsible for all musical aspects of our worship, service and outreach. This includes our brass band, songsters (adult choir), worship band, café church and the Ayr Community Gospel Choir.

George Williams

Community Care Coordinator

The Community Care Coordinator has responsibility for ensuring our friends and members who may be shut-in, in hospital, or are unable to attend are included in our fellowship through personal communication or visitation and have the opportunity to have a more structured association with our church family as either a full member (soldier), or associate membership (adherent).

Janet Gilmour

Church Administrator

The Corps Administrator oversees our weekly activities including banking and financial, premises hire and licenses, public enquiries, food bank, Christmas toy appeal, signposting, volunteer coordination, stores and supplies, and catering.

Alan Muir

Digital Skills Coordinator

The Digital Skills Coordinator is responsible for the smooth operation of our Digital Skills initiative, including liaising with governemnt employment agencies, providing support for those who are challenged by information technology (IT), giving hands-on training for CV, Job Application and Online Benefit claims.

Elizabeth Gordon

Rainbow Tots (Joint) Leader

The Rainbow Tots leader coordinates programmes in a safe and stimulating space for our youngest children (4years and under) and their parents for a minimal fee during school terms.