The conference President is the Chief Executive Officer of the South England Conference. He supervises all the different aspects of the conference’s work, such as evangelistic projects, church schools and the activities of the various departments. He manages the pastors and other church workers, as well as chairing the Executive Committee of the conference and other various sub-committees. He also represents the conference on a range of British Union Conference and Trans European Division committees. It is the responsibility of the president to ensure that, as far as possible, local congregations are resourced to fulfil the church’s mission.
Although in quite a demanding position, the president attends local church campaigns and seminars held all over the Conference. However, his main role involves the overall administration of the South England Conference. His position is concerned with the welfare of our pastors and he handles ministerial placements and changes as well as memorials and tributes.
Read more about Sam Davis | Read more about Ruth Stewart | Read more about Paul Lee
Pastor Sam Davis
Why did you decide to start working for the church?
I decided to start working for God because I felt personally called by Him, not to be President but to initially be a Pastor. It was during my time as Pastor of Holloway Church that I was called into the President’s position at the Conference.
What would you say are the challenges of your job?
I feel that one of the biggest challenges of my job, at the moment, is the situation with John Loughborough School. I think the difficulty is figuring out ‘how we steady the ship’ and bring it through the inspection in 2009.
What are the highlights of your time as director of this Department?
‘I feel I’m mostly a people person and I like to get out and meet the members of our churches, fellowshipping and worshipping with them. I enjoy it when I can attend campaigns and seminars all over the South England Conference because each of them inspire me and enlighten me further to the work we are all doing for God.
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Ruth Stewart
The President’s Secretary acts as his personal assistant. She is responsible for the hospitality towards any guests visiting the President. Her role sometimes involves attending functions with the President, such as Conference Session, and talking with members through any problems they might have. One of her tasks is to keep up-to-date with many of the issues that the President handles and in doing so, prepare materials for Committees that he chairs.
Why did you decide to start working for the church?
I saw it as my ‘mission towards the cause’ and I had reached a stage in my life where I wanted to do missionary work. However, I eventually decided to work at the SEC to do this! I started off in the President’s department, and have stayed in the same position. I have seen God direct me down this path and now I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What would you say are the challenges of your job?
An urge, in this position, is to run around trying to help everyone. I think my biggest challenge is taking time to just listen to members and allow them to unload. It’s always a challenge making sure you’re guiding and helping people through their problems in the right way.
What are the highlights of your time working in your position?
I think the main highlight of my role, is working with members and pastors alike. I enjoy being able to immerse myself with these people and get to know everyone personally.
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Paul Lee
Why did you decide to start working for the church?
Since starting work 31 years ago I have harboured a desire to work for God in whatever capacity He would direct me to. That dream was realized through Music Ministry with groups such as New Life, Kinsmen, Covenant, the London Adventist Chorale, and as a soloist. I had also previously been asked to serve the SEC as music coordinator, principally looking after music interests within the SEC. Since then my colleague Trevor Johnson and I have re-shaped the role into one of development through training, which includes facing the challenges of encouraging musicians to adhere to principles when presenting an offering of music to God in worship. I was elected to serve as Director of Music shortly after the SEC Session in 2007 and it is my desire to see Music elevated to the status that it should be - working hand in hand with the spoken word as well as independently to bring lost souls to Christ.
What would you say are the challenges of your job?
I think the biggest challenge of this role is changing our perception of the use of music from just an embellishment for our services, to a position of music being respected as an important corporate and independent ministry that can be used for evangelism as demonstrated by our premium Choirs, groups, and soloists. It’s imperative to me that those who present music respect the office of a musician according to Levitical principles and are trained to do so.
What are the highlights of your time as director of this Department?
My time in the office of Director of Music has been very short, however, it is a tremendous honour to serve God in a full-time capacity, and knowing the work that you do is for God's glory.
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