Staff and Officers

I’m a presbyter with pastoral charge of Normanton, Ropewalk and Streethouse Methodist Churches, along with The Haven. I am married to Jacqueline, we have three grown up children, two daughters and one son, and then there are our three fantastic grandchildren, who continue to grow up very fast.  

Before offering for the Ministry I was an Electrical Engineer in the construction industry, the last 25 years of which was MD of my own Electrical Commissioning Company working on industrial and commercial projects, which I fully withdrew from before stationing. I am glad to say the company continues to thrive with its new management.

Hello, my name is Julian, and my current role is a presbyter with pastoral charge of Sandal, Walton and Newmillerdam Creative Arts Project at Lakeside Methodist Church. I am also a qualified supervisor in the British Methodist Church and I chair the Editorial Board of the Holiness Journal connected to Wesley House Cambridge.

I am married to Jean, who is a qualified nurse in the NHS, and we have two grown up children, Chloe and Tyler. In my spare time, I love listening to music (particularly live gigs), reading theology, and I am also a keen road cyclist!

My name is Jacob Kaiga. I am a Circuit Minister in charge of Airedale, Lofthouse, Parkside, Rothwell and Trinity Castleford Methodist Churches.

I am married with three children and was trained in Kenya where I attained a Diploma in Theology and a Bachelor of Divinity Degree.   I was stationed to the circuit in 1987 and was ordained in 1989.

After working there for eight years I came to the UK in 1995 for further studies. Whilst doing my studies I was given a job as a Circuit Minister. This was a big surprise because I never thought  about working in England. Since then I have worked in the UK but still doing some charity works back in Kenya. For me England is my home from home.

I was born and bred in Sheffield. Prior to the ministry I was a nurse working in palliative care. I am married to Steve and we have 5 sons,11 grandchildren and 2 dogs. I have pastoral charge of Altofts, The King's Way Church Ossett, Trinity Wakefield and West Wakefield.

My passions are chocolate, mugs (not cups) of coffee, shopping and God – not necessarily in that order, and, having spent a few years as a minister in Cornwall I am an expert on the correct way to serve cream teas!

Hello, my name is Christopher Holmes, but please call me Chris. I am a presbyter with pastoral charge of Ackworth, Featherstone, Kippax, Upton and Trinity (South Elmsall) Methodist Churches. 

I am married to Heather and have two grown-up daughters and one wonderful granddaughter. I love listening to music, walking, and singing whilst strumming my guitar. I have begun to follow AFC Wakefield and have joined an online tribute band, singing the songs of my favourite band ELP. I speak Spanish and would love to meet anyone in the area with roots or connections with Spain or Latin America.

My name is Rev’d Thomas CK Phiri, and I am an ordained Methodist Minister serving in the Aire and Calder Circuit of the Methodist Church in Britain. I am married to Sarah, who is a teacher by profession, and together we are blessed with three wonderful children: Nathanael, Elianah, and Thomas Jnr.

Before responding to God’s call to ordained ministry, I trained and worked as an electrician. I later pursued studies in Public Administration while serving in the Eastern part of Zambia, where I was ordained and began my pastoral ministry.

My family and I have been privileged to live and serve in Zambia, Jamaica, and now the United Kingdom. I currently have pastoral charge of Horbury, Lindale, Pontefract, Trinity Netherton and Wrenthorpe Methodist Churches. 

I have been in post since October 2016 and my role is to assist the Superintendent Minister with the administration of our circuit and this includes collecting information from circuit staff, local preachers, circuit officials and church officials to enable the timely production of e-News and the plan. 

I am married to Stuart and we have 3 children. During days off and weekends we enjoy family time together, reading, crafts and card-making and growing vegetables. I also like to knit/sew and do puzzles and jigsaws.

I started working as a Children & Families worker within the circuit in April 2021.  Prior to this I had run many youth activities and groups both in my own church and across the circuit as a volunteer.  I work with a number of schools leading collective worship as well as reflection prayer activities and groups focusing on identity and mental health. 

In my spare time I like to socialise with my family and friends and spend a lot of time with my young nieces and nephews as well as shopping with my Mum.

Alison started working as a Children & Families worker within the circuit in February 2025.

She can be contacted on 07853 054683

Paula oversees the day-to-day running of Twenty 7 and manages the volunteers.

David leads the ‘reflection’, on Thursday afternoons at Twenty 7 and takes responsibility for the spirituality of the space.

Ruth is most likely the first face you’ll see when you enter Twenty 7 in Pontefract, she is usually the one serving tea, coffee, cold drinks, biscuits or toast.

Nigel works with Jill to promote good safeguarding procedures within the circuit relating to children and vulnerable adults. 

Jill works with Nigel to promote good safeguarding procedures within the circuit relating to children and vulnerable adults.

Jane works as part of the circuit team, supporting local churches to work with those impacted by dementia. 

Tim provides line management support to some of our lay workers and helps with the operation of projects at The Haven, Twenty 7 and Cityfields. 

My responsibilities are to keep the accounts of the Circuit, receive all the income, pay all the bills, reimburse all expenses, ensure that payroll records for our lay employees are maintained and liaise with local authorities over the payment of council tax and water rates on the manses. At each year end I prepare and present financial statements for the approval of the Circuit Meeting. 

I have 5 grandchildren who keep me busy. I enjoy reading, travel and watching (armchair) most sports, especially cricket and rugby league.

I have attended Trinity Methodist South Elmsall since 1994, where I hold the positions of Steward, Treasurer, Secretary and Worship Leader. I am married to Pat and have twin daughters and 4 grandchildren. In my younger days I played football & cricket in local leagues, but my main interest was table tennis, which I played for 60 years in several local leagues. I now confine my interests to supporting Frickley Athletic Football Club, and walking when I can find the time.

My role as Senior Circuit Steward / Stationing Steward is to prepare profiles for the new incoming ministers to peruse and convince them that we are the best circuit and arrange their visits . Also when an incumbent minister wishes to apply for an extension to their appointment, I arrange for feedback from churches and meet with the ministers to discuss the outcomes. 

In a voluntary capacity, Heather is a circuit steward. 

Mark Stainburn worships at Ropewalk Methodist Church and serves in the Aire and Calder Methodist Circuit as a Local Preacher on Note. He is also part of the circuit youth team, supporting young people in their faith and discipleship. Mark works as a Senior Support Coordinator at Trinity Mission Castleford and brings compassion, creativity, and a strong sense of calling to both his ministry and community work.

Born and bred in Wakefield I have been involved in the Methodist Church in the area since childhood.  A Pharmacist by profession, I enjoy helping people and find being creative helps me connect with God and is great stress relief.  I also find volunteering with children and young people rewarding.  I am excited about the future of Methodism in the Aire and Calder circuit as we embrace new ventures.

I am the circuit steward with responsibility for Lay Employees.

I grew up in Ferrybridge and attended Central Methodist Church in Pontefract, where I was Christened at the first Baptism service held there after it opened in 1952. (I leave you to do the Maths!) 

In 1976 I bought a house in Sandal and joined the congregation at Sandal Methodist Church. There I have been JMA secretary as well as still being a member of the Choir and, prior to becoming a Circuit Steward, I served a 6-year term as Church Steward.

David and I were married at Sandal in 1980 and still live in the area. He is a keen photographer and we enjoy getting out and about looking for photo opportunities, often in more rugged areas such as Spurn Point or Ravenscar Beach. With my Mum, we also like to explore garden centres, preferably those with a good coffee shop!

I am the circuit steward responsible for Property. Since June 2012, when we moved to Ossett, my wife Christine and I worship at The King's Way Church where we are both Worship Stewards. Prior to our move I worshipped at Woodside Methodist Church, Horsforth which is now part of the Leeds South and West Circuit where I held various positions at Church and Circuit level. I am a member of the District Candidates Committee and the District Manses Committee. I have also been a member of the District Consent Panel and secretary of the former District Lay Employment Committee.

I am a retired solicitor and have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren.