Born in London and trained in Cambridge , Geoff had been a minister in South Wales, Stockport and North London before coming to WLM in September 2001. He’s long had an interest in    the theology and practice of christian ministry and in how churches and individuals can engage in God’s mission in a world suspicious of faith. In 2002 he was awarded a Sheffield MA in Consultancy, Mission and Ministry. He has a commitment to thoughtful preaching and good music, especially hymns which make theological sense and are not frightened of poetry, and enjoys literature and poetry . He is married to Christine and has three children who are fast becoming young adults.

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I came from Brazil in 1996 to work with churches and communities in Luton as a Mission Partner with the Methodist Circuit and with an ecumenical and missionary programme called Grassroots. Whilst being committed locally, I also travelled extensively and engaged with churches gaining a panoramic view of issues and of good practices across the UK . I fell in love with the Church here in this part of the World. Despite the fact that many people predicated the church’s death, I see in it a depth of spirituality and engagement with political and social issues that, for me, speak volumes. I felt welcomed and accepted as part of the church here and found a space and recognition to serve here as a minister. It could not suit me better to be serving in a Mission Circuit (WLM and Hinde Street ) with a sacramental approach to the faith marked by a radical practise of the Gospel. Here is in the present the riches of the Methodist Movement: a sense of deep spirituality combined with a commitment to social justice. I am a son of the manse and learned that at home and in church. I have two children, Madalena and Lucas, and am proud that they are having the same opportunity.

Lived in a hostel on first coming to London in 1973, then at Centrepoint from 1974 – 81 first as volunteer, then hostel worker, night shelter leader and finally management committee member … undertook the first Crisis Canterbury to London sponsored walk in 1975 …qualified as a social worker in 1980 (completed the Crisis Canterbury to London walk again 1978!) and as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist in 1983 … headed the East London University social work course just prior to coming to WLM in 2002 … Mental Health Act Commissioner and member of the Care Standards Tribunal … co-author of ‘Social Work, Psychiatry and the Law’ (Heineman 1986/Ashgate Arena 1999) and other articles.