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 Alan Wardlow
President 2025-26
The Rev Alan Wardlow is President of the Conference and of the Methodist Church in Ireland for the Connexional year 2025-2026.
The Connexional theme for the year is, ‘Compelled’.
For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast,
since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me
if I do not preach the gospel!”– 1 Corinthians 9:16
Embracing the Methodist Church in Ireland’s vision of “living wholeheartedly as followers of Jesus for the transformation of the world”, Alan will be encouraging the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to continue to proclaim Christ with boldness. Affirming that true and lasting spiritual growth begins within the individual, Alan’s prayer is that each of us would feel a deep, compelling urgency to take intentional steps to share the message of Jesus so that we will see many come to faith or experience a renewed commitment in the year ahead.
We invite you to join with the President in praying for the Methodist Church in Ireland to grow in every way.
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Watch Alan 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.
