Assistant Secretary of the Conference
Location: Methodist Church House, London WC1H (with a connexional manse provided in London)
Term: Six-year initial appointment from 1 September 2027
Stipend: Methodist stipend plus additional allowance (currently 25%)
A significant leadership opportunity within the Methodist Church
The Methodist Church is seeking to appoint an Assistant Secretary of the Conference to play a vital role in supporting the governance, oversight and mission of the Church across the Connexion. This influential position works closely with the Secretary of the Conference and serves as a member of the Connexional Team's Senior Management Group.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Methodist presbyter who combines theological insight, pastoral wisdom and strategic leadership with a detailed understanding of Methodist governance and practice.
About the Role
The Assistant Secretary of the Conference supports the planning, preparation, delivery and implementation of Conference business, helping to ensure that the Methodist Church fulfils its mission and ministry within its constitutional framework. The role includes:
- Supporting the governance and decision-making processes of the Methodist Conference.
- Advising on constitutional, procedural and oversight matters.
- Leading key connexional processes relating to stationing, ministry, safeguarding and discipline.
- Supporting the President and Vice-President of the Conference in relation to inquiries and governance matters.
- Overseeing the Church's compliance with Home Office regulations for visa sponsorship.
- Providing leadership to a diverse portfolio of teams and functions.
- Representing the Secretary of the Conference as required and contributing to the strategic leadership of the Connexional Team.
About You
You will be:
- A Presbyter in Full Connexion with the British Methodist Conference.
- An experienced and respected Methodist leader with a broad understanding of the life and structures of the Church.
- Skilled in managing complex governance processes and organisational change.
- An excellent communicator, capable of explaining complex issues clearly to a range of audiences.
- Able to influence, negotiate and build constructive relationships across diverse contexts.
- Experienced in leading and developing people in a collaborative and pastoral manner.
- Committed to sustaining a visible and authentic style of Christian leadership.
You will bring sound judgement, attention to detail, resilience under pressure and a commitment to enabling the Church's mission through effective governance and oversight.
Appointment Process
The appointment is made in accordance with Standing Order 385. The successful candidate will be nominated through the Connexional Council and presented to the Methodist Conference for appointment, with the role commencing on 1 September 2027. It is anticipated that the appointed person will participate in an induction and transition period during 2027 alongside the current post holder.
Find Out More
If you are an experienced presbyter with a passion for the governance, ministry and future development of the Methodist Church, we encourage you to consider this significant vocation of service and leadership.
ASC_Role Description & Person Specification.doc
Expression of Interest Form.doc
The completed forms should be returned to the Human Resources Office by email to:
hr@methodistchurch.org.uk.
Submission deadline is 30 September 2026
Interviews will be held in London on 15 October 2026