Introducing the District
The South East District of the Methodist Church was formed in 2006 as part of the wider reshaping of the Methodist Districts encompassing London. The District covers the counties of Kent, East and West Sussex, the majority of Surrey, and parts Berkshire and Hampshire. The District also includes the island of Malta and the British Overseas territory of Gibraltar.
Geography
The South East District covers the region south of the Thames outside London up to (and beyond, in some cases) the borders of Berkshire and Hampshire, and take in Gibraltar and Malta.
Many of the towns and surrounding areas lie in the London commuter belt. The North Downs run from Farnham to Dover, and the South Downs National Park runs from Winchester to Eastbourne. Between these two features lies the Weald, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
To the north of the District sits the Thames basin, while to the south is the coastal strip, much of it reclaimed land. Kent’s north coast is formed by the confluence of the Thames and Medway estuaries. The most significant urban areas lie either side of London (e.g. Medway in the west and Slough in the east) and along the south coast (e.g. Worthing and Brighton).
Leadership
When the District was formed in 2006, the model of leadership within District that was established was one that is exercised by a Chair of District alongside Assistant Chairs. In recent years, and due to changes in standing orders around District Leadership, we are transitioning our language from Assistant Chairs to Deputy Chairs.
The deputy chairs are stationing to a Circuit within the District 2/3 time, and 1/3 to the District. They share with the Chair in the leadership and oversight of the District, caring for the well being of its people and encouraging the church in mission and ministry.
Each Deputy chair is appointed to an area of the District (Eastern, Southern, Western). Part of their role as deputy chair is exercised within an area, but they also offer leadership across the District according to their gifts and skills, and the needs of the District.
Contact details for our Chair and Deputies are available via the District Team page.
The Chair and Deputies share in the leadership of the District with staff, officers and numerous committees.