John L. Bell is a Scottish hymn-writer and Church of Scotland minister. He is a member of the Iona Community, a broadcaster, and former student activist. John teaches and leads workshops on liturgy, music, spirituality and social justice in educational establishments, local churches and at centres in the UK and abroad.

Dr Paula Gooder is a writer and lecturer in Biblical Studies. Her research areas focus on the writings of Paul the Apostle. Her passion is to ignite people’s enthusiasm for reading the Bible today, by presenting the best of biblical scholarship in an accessible and interesting way. 

Rachel Gardner is Director of Partnerships at Youthscape and President of Girls Brigade England and Wales. She is also Student & Youth Lead at Preston Minster, an Ambassador for Home for Good and a regular preacher and speaker at Christian youth and adult events.

Matt Beckingham is an orchestrator and conductor, with a growing focus on social action through the arts. Matt is head of music for Opera North’s flagship music education project, In Harmony Opera North. As conductor or chorus master Matt has worked on performances including: BBC Proms, Classic FM broadcast from King’s College Chapel, performances with National Youth Orchestra and National Youth Choir GB. Matt is artistic director of OneSound, a leading national Christian youth ensemble. And he leads the National Methodist Choir of Great Britain. Back by popular demand from Flourish 2019.

PHILIPPA HANNA is an internationally acclaimed performer racking up over 1500 shows in 25 countries. Since her industry debut in 2007, she has released 5 critically acclaimed studio albums and published two books, winning fans in the likes of Leona Lewis, Lionel Richie and Little Mix. The Yorkshire born, half-Irish, Singer-Songwriter is a rarity in the UK Music Industry, bridging the elusive gap between Gospel, Pop and Country music. Churchgoers often realise mid-concert how well they already know the music, thanks to Philippa’s regular features on TBNUKs ‘Praise The Lord’ and BBC ‘Songs of Praise’.

Revd Clive McKie is a Methodist Minister and Prison Chaplain. He is a Fresh Expressions Mission Pioneer, and Founder of Taketime, the Online Missional Meditation Project. Taketime is a brand of meditations based on Ignatian Spirituality, Mindfulness, and on his work in the prison and Church.

Paul Kerensa is an English comedy writer and stand-up comedian, as well as an author,  script editor, podcaster, blogger, and Christian. Writer for BBC1’s Miranda and Not Going Out, among countless others, Paul’s the in-demand comic who plays comedy clubs and cathedrals. He’s one of the few to have appeared both at London’s Comedy Store and on Radio 2’s Pause For Thought. Back by popular demand from Flourish 2019.

Revd Graham Thompson is the President of the Methodist Conference (2022/23). Graham Thompson serves as Chair of the Plymouth and Exeter District, a role which he assumed following his service as Chair of the East Anglia District. He has served in a variety of Circuits, urban and rural, both as Presbyter and Superintendent. He has broad ecumenical experience and is an ecumenical Canon of Exeter Cathedral.

Anthony Boateng is the Vice-President of the Methodist Conference (2022/23). He is a Local Preacher from the London District, with a passion for social action, politics, church unity, spiritual revival and creative ways of worship. Anthony Boateng said: “As a young Ghanaian immigrant who has spent all his life in the Methodist Church, it is an honour and privilege to be given this opportunity by my siblings to serve the church at such a challenging time.”

Methodist Youth President 2022-23.

As the Youth President, James works full-time to represent the children and young people of the Methodist Church in Great Britain, both within and outside the Church.

The Youth President is elected every year by the children and young people of 3Generate, the Methodist children’s and youth assembly. James spends his time meeting children and young people from across the Connexion to hear what they have to say, as well as sharing these views with the wider Church and senior Church leaders.

Revd Leslie Newton is Chair of Yorkshire North and East Methodist District, and part of the planning team of Flourish