Minister elected President of Church

Rev Brian Anderson of Seymour Street Methodist was elected President Designate at the Annual Methodist Conference in Dublin last week. He will take up his new office in June 2015.

This comes as Mr Anderson prepares to lead his final service at the Lisburn church on June 29. After 10 years in serving the Lisburn community. He is moving to minister at Wesley Centenary Methodist Church in Bangor.

Brian, 51, says moving to a new church and preparing to take over as President is an “humbling but happy time” for him and his family.

“I am looking forward to the big challenge that lies ahead. There has been a trend of appointing younger Presidents in the last few years and I think this reflects a mood within the Methodist church,” he said.

Over the last decade Brian has been very involved with the local community and was instrumental in setting up Horizons - an initiative to help those affected by suicide.

He also has played a key role in the Damask Community Outreach which has evolved out of the Methodist ethos of social action.

Speaking about his years in Lisburn Brian said there is a “great sense of togetherness” in Seymour Street Methodist. He said: “There is a greater awareness of responding to the social needs around us as we seek to reveal Gods Love for everyone in real and honest ways.

“It has been encouraging to hear stories of Methodist churches across our Island Home seeking to develop a Wesleyian discipleship in a modern context.”

Rev. Mervyn Ewing from Jennymount Methodist church, York Road, North Belfast will take over Brian’s role as minister at Seymour Street Methodist and his first service will be on the morning of July 13.