President & Lay Leader
In the last number of years the Church has elected a President annually, who chairs the Conference and other committees throughout the year, as well as visiting Methodist congregations all over the island and representing the Church in the public sphere.
Lay and ordained people, both men and women are involved in decision making at all levels. The Methodist Church in Ireland has ordained women since 1978, and women may serve in all positions in the Church.
Rev Dr John Alderdice
President 2024-25
The Rev Dr John D Alderdice is President of the Conference and of the Methodist Church in Ireland for the Connexional year 2024-2025.
His theme for the year is, ‘For the transformation of the world’.
‘But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.’ – 2 Corinthians 4:7
God’s plan for the transformation of the world starts with the call for all of us to be a transformed people. As wholehearted followers of Jesus, we must reflect and bear God’s image to the world around us.
John’s prayer is that the Methodist Church in Ireland would be full of transformed hearts and lives; living out a faith that goes beyond a Sunday and radically embraces and ministers to those most in need in our communities and beyond.
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Watch John in conversation with Rev Dr Heather Morris, the General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Ireland on the ‘Living Wholeheartedly’ Podcast here.
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Watch the President’s inaugural address from the Installation service here.
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Elaine Barnett
Lay Leader 2024-26
Mrs Elaine M Barnett is designated Lay Leader of the Conference for the Connexional years 2024-2026.
Her theme for the two years is: ’Journeying with God.'
‘I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.’ – Ephesians 3:16
The Bible is full of people who journeyed with God – both physically and in their relationship with Him.
Journeying means not staying in one place; it means being open to change and transformation.
Elaine’s prayer is for members of the Methodist Church in Ireland to journey deeper with God – growing in knowledge and faith through fellowship, Bible reading, and prayer – and to allow our faith to make a difference in the communities where we live.
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Watch Elaine in conversation with Rev Dr Heather Morris, General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Ireland on the ‘Living Wholeheartedly’ Podcast here.
