Meet the team
Connexional Officers
Connexional Officers are appointed by the Independent Methodist Churches Annual Meeting. They are appointed to that office for a term of one year, except for the President, who holds office for two years. Below is a list of those positions within the Connexion, a brief description of what the position entails, and who currently holds the position. To contact them, simply click on their name to send them an email.
ROGER STONE
President
As the President completes the first year of office, we elect a President-Elect to shadow the President for one year before taking up the office of President.
My main roles are as a preacher/teacher of the Christian faith as it is described in the Bible. I am also part of the leadership team at Kirkhall Lane I.M. As Connexional President, I see the role of a person who carefully watches to see that, the Connexion functions according to God’s word and His will. Notwithstanding, a problem solver and an encourager. In a contrary culture of 21st century secularism and counter religious attitudes, it is necessary that our churches are rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
My working life began in an environment of metallurgy and structural engineering. However, before taking early retirement in 2018, I worked for Siemens Electrium for 14 years on the production engineering team. My role was to set and prepare computer-controlled machinery, manage their tooling and production flow issues and general problem solving. Previous roles include: work in the petrochemical/food industry, defence systems, North Sea oil and farming equipment.
I came to know Christ when I was just 27 years old and am grateful that God has blessed me with a wonderful Christian wife, 4 beautiful children and 2 granddaughters. I do not have time for hobbies but given that I did, I enjoy reading, the theatre, music and most sports.
DOROTHY KENDRICK
Past - President
The position of President is normally accepted for a tenure of two years. The President acts as a focal figure for Connexional life. They represent the Connexion with other Christian bodies; preside at Connexional Committee Meetings; sometimes provide a lead and/or guidance as required; and several other duties besides.
BRIAN ROWNEY
General Secretary
As General Secretary, Brian is the central contact figure for all aspects of Connexional work. He handles communication with churches, departmental organisers, other denominations and ecumenical bodies, and assists the Connexional President with various duties.
Brian Rowney attends Astley Christian Fellowship, where he is the church treasurer. Originally from Gloucester, after gaining a degree in Engineering he moved to the north-west, where he worked in the nuclear power industry for just over 40 years. He is married to Sue, and they have two grown-up sons. He has a life-long interest in railways and buses (including model-making), and is a volunteer at the East Lancashire Railway in Bury.
David Hughes
Association Secretary
As Association Secretary, David is the central contact figure for all aspects of Connexional work. He handles communication with churches, departmental organisers, other denominations and ecumenical bodies, and assists the Connexional President with various duties.
Shaun Newton
Administrative Secretary
The administrative secretary, also known as an executive assistant, office manager, or secretary, provides administrative support to an individual or office. They are a vital part of a company's daily operations, ensuring that information flows smoothly between departments
ALAN BRITTON
Financial Administrator
The Financial Administrator is the first point of contact for advice regarding the availability of Connexional finance to support the work of the churches and the Connexion. They process grant applications through the Finance Committee and Connexional Committee; between formal meetings if necessary. The Financial Administrator prepares the agenda for Finance Committee meetings, produces and distributes the minutes; prepares and presents a written report for each Connexional Committee meeting. They also prepare a report to Annual Meeting, present it and take questions from the floor, dealing with them or passing them to the Accountant as necessary. The Financial Administrator works closely with the Accountant and is generally the signatory to the Independent Methodist Association’s bank account. They also approve expense claims submitted by Connexional officers before payment.
MARILYN RIDING
Church Support Organiser
Coordinates all aspects of church support. Liaises with church leaders to discover and deliver any support they require; organises training to meet the needs of the churches.
I am married with one grandson. I live in Ashton-in-Makerfield and attend Downall Green I.M. Church. After leaving school I joined the Navy as a Meteorological Observer and later attended Manchester Polytechnic College where I qualified as a Youth and Community Worker. Whilst working for Wigan Youth Service as a Youth Officer I was involved in 10 years of Youth Exchanges with Nigeria. I have also lectured at Nazarene Bible College in Didsbury on the Youth Ministers Course and at St Helens College. I have been involved in Connexional work from being the War on Want Secretary for IMTAKS, on 31the Initiative & Advisory Committee, Chairperson of the Christian Responsibility Committee, on the Young People’s Committee, Connexional Youth Officer & Safeguarding Officer. I was also part of the trips to Romania . I enjoy travelling, walking and tennis when I have time.
Pauline Smith
Education Organiser
The Education Organiser works with the Ministry Organiser with special responsibility to facilitate the education and training of all students on the Education Course. This will ensure proper coordination and line management. The Education Organiser also administers the Ministers’ Education Course.
LEN OGILVIE
Ministry Organiser
The Ministry Organiser deals with matters relating to Connexional ministers and their support. Working alongside the Education Organiser, they administer the Ministers’ Education Course, and provide ongoing teaching and pastoral care via the annual Minister’s Conference.
CARRIE O’NIONS
Overseas Missions Organiser
Works to help and support the oversea missionaries. Helps to coordinate church visits and promotes the Lord’s work overseas.
(Marilyn Riding)
Safeguarding Officer – Currently covered by Church Support Organiser
Deals with all safeguarding issues within the Connexion and provides advice, guidance and support to all of our churches.
NORMAN PRESCOTT
Resource Centre Secretary
Provides practical support and advice in the Resource Centre.
JOHN MARRISON
Archivist
Manages the Independent Methodist Archives, dealing with enquiries about the history of the denomination and its churches. This position is currently held by John Marrison, so please contact him via the Registered Office.
Laura Pendlebury
Association Manager
Serves the Connexion, its departments and churches. Assists with the organisation of Annual Meeting and Connexional Meetings.
Kathy Pringle
Connexional Services Manager
Manages the Registered Office & Resource Centre and the Northwood Centre. Serves the Connexion, its departments and churches. Assists with the organisation of Annual Meeting and Connexional Meetings, provides a design and print service. She can also be contacted to arrange visits to the IMC Archives, which are housed at the Resource Centre.
LISA GREEN
Church Support Worker
To develop and assist the coordination and work of the Church Support Group, and to liaise with the churches and other agencies.
I am a member at Downall Green I.M. Church in Wigan Circuit. I have been a Connexional Minister since 2007. I am married with a son and 2 older step daughters. I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a Diploma in Youth & Community Work and went on to work as a Behaviour Support Worker for Wigan Inclusive Schools Project, Youth & Community worker for Wigan Youth Services, Centre Manager of Ashton Youth Club before working for my church developing the community charity Action & Resources in the Community. In 1989 I became a member of the Connexional Young People’s committee, worked as part of a team that ran adventure camps for the Connexion at Tawd Vale Scout Camp near Southport and led a young people’s performing arts group. You can also catch me co-presenting the history of Independent Methodism with Andy Lomas on the 200 years celebration dvd!
JOY HIGHAM
Church Support Worker
To support and develop the churches in their work, and to liaise with the churches and relevant agencies to achieve this.
Bill Hampson
Ecumenical Officer
Attends meetings of the ‘Free Churches Group’ and ‘Churches Together in England’ and informs our churches, through Connexional Committee, of national initiatives in prayer, outreach and mission.