Barry Sloan visits WMP

Barry Sloan, who divides his time between serving as INSPIRE Team Leader in Chemnitz and Partnership Coordinator for Europe with the Methodist Church in Britain, has been back on Irish soil this month.

During his time here, Barry connected with the World Mission Partnership team, offering updates from Methodist communities across Europe. He shared plans for his upcoming visits to sister churches , where he hopes to learn from innovative faith communities who are exploring new and creative ways of being church. Gillian Gilmore from IMYC also met with Barry, starting exciting conversations about future youth experiences and potential group visits to Europe as part of MCI’s Youth and Children’s Strategy.

On Saturday 7th February, Barry took part in the 4 Corners Festival with a session titled “Irish Pilgrim: When the Saints Go Marching.” Blending humour, heartfelt stories from his book, and thought-provoking songs, he painted a lasting picture of a God who crosses every border to meet people with His love.

To round off the weekend, Barry spoke at two Methodist churches on Sunday, sharing the incredible story of INSPIRE’s fresh expression of church on the Brühl Boulevard in Chemnitz. Thanks to everyone in Whiteabbey and Seymour St for hosting him!

Please continue to pray for Barry and Gillian Sloan as they lead INSPIRE in Chemnitz, and for Barry in his role in the Global Relationships team, as they follow God’s leading - learning and growing as part of God’s global church.

David Nesbitt with Barry Sloan at the WMP office in Edgehill.

Barry at 4 Corners Festival. Photo by Neil Craigan.