At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance and mission of the Methodist Church, leading key processes and teams.
- Company: Join the Methodist Church, a community dedicated to faith and service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive stipend, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Significant opportunity for personal and professional growth within a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in church leadership and governance.
- Qualifications: Must be an experienced presbyter with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
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.
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. 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.
Our Calling
The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. The Church exists to:
- Increase the awareness of God’s presence and celebrate God’s love (Worship).
- Help people to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care (Learning and Caring).
- Be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice (Service).
- Make more followers of Jesus Christ (Evangelism).
Our Benefits
- Pension scheme
- Living Wage
- Season ticket loan
- Removal leave
- Annual quiet day
- Eye test vouchers
- Enhanced sick pay
- Flexible working
- 25 days' annual leave
- Maternity/paternity pay
- Christmas office closure
- Training and Development
- Health and Wellbeing
Assistant Secretary of the Conference in London employer: Methodist Church
The Methodist Church is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values collaboration and community engagement. Employees benefit from opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while working in a beautifully refurbished office in Bloomsbury, which fosters a sense of belonging and purpose in serving diverse stakeholders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Secretary of the Conference in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Methodist Church.
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Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Methodist Church.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Methodist Church.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Methodist Church. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Secretary of the Conference in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Methodist Church. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Assistant Secretary of the Conference, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Methodist Church
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Methodist Church. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
