Current President and Vice-President



Mark Wakelin

The Revd Dr Mark Wakelin
President of the Methodist Conference 2012/13

Dr Wakelin is described by his nominators as "an inspirational and energetic speaker who speaks directly to people in ways which they can apply to their own lives and the Church." He brings to the role of president a wide experience of circuit ministry, chaplaincy, youth work and strategic leadership. He was formerly the national secretary of the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs and is currently connexional secretary for internal relationships for the Methodist Church in Britain. He lives in Oakwood with his wife Judith and has three children and three grandchildren.

"Now is a good time to be in the Methodist Church," said Dr Wakelin. "We have a real opportunity to become a more confident and effective discipleship movement again. We need to be brave, creative and more focused on God's loving purpose for us and our world. The presidency can help the Church find and catch a vision that will play a part in God transforming Methodism for the next generation and of Methodism playing its proper role in transforming our society and world."

Michael King

Mr Michael King 
Vice-President of the Methodist Conference 2012/13

Michael King is a Methodist local preacher, church steward and former circuit steward in the Enfield Methodist Circuit. He was leader of the Church's world church relationships team for 11 years, and formerly chair of the European Commission on Mission. Prior to 2000 he spent most of his working life teaching in Sierra Leone and UK comprehensive schools. He currently serves as Rural Church and Community Co-ordinator for the Banbury Methodist Circuit.

Mr King describes himself as 'glocal', with a passion for thinking globally and acting locally. He said: "I want to see God's love shared with all people. I want to see Christians deepen their understanding of what it means to welcome others, offering genuine hospitality and inclusion. I long to see our overseas partners taking part and making decisions at all levels of church life in this country. I want to see our Church enriched and invigorated by people from all over the world."

Michael is married to Isabel and they live in Hornton, near Banbury. They have two married children and two very young grandchildren.

Mark and Michael were inducted as President and Vice-President as the first items of business at the Methodist Conference in Plymouth, on Saturday 30 June 2012.

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