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Our people Living Leadership is a collaborative network of staff , Associates , Affiliates , Trustees and Volunteers, united by the vision to see Christ glorified through leaders who abide in him Affiliate Associate Staff Trustee Filter by Location Filter by Ministry Areas Alastair Gledhill Trustee Ministries involved in: Charity Trustee Find out more Alli Clear Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Claire Cromartie Trustee England Ministries involved in: Charity Trustee Find out more Alison Mark Associate Northern Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Refreshment Days, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Bettina Collins Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh Network Online, Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Formation School, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Claire Reynolds Operations Manager England Ministries involved in: Ministry Support Staff Find out more Alistair Bill Associate Northern Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online Find out more Brian Gooding Associate Scotland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refreshment Days, Refresh Network Online Find out more Claire Wroe Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups Find out more Alistair Magowan Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Network Online Find out more Cassells Morrell Associate Republic of Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refreshment Days, Formation Seminars Find out more Dafydd Job Associate Wales Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Resources, Formation Seminars Find out more 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 ... 5 Related links Associates Scheme Affiliates Scheme How we work

Our Associates Growing a dynamic network of pastors of pastors and trainers of leaders across the UK and Ireland Much of our Living Leadership ministry is provided by our Associates. You can find out more about any of our Associates or contact them by clicking on their picture below. To find out more about the Associates Scheme, please download the introduction paper here . If you are looking for support in your area, you can also explore our interactive map to find an associate or ministry staff member near you. Filter by country Filter by region Filter by Ministry Areas Alison Mark Associate Northern Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Refreshment Days, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Bettina Collins Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh Network Online, Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Formation School, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Dafydd Job Associate Wales Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Resources, Formation Seminars Find out more Alistair Bill Associate Northern Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online Find out more Brian Gooding Associate Scotland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refreshment Days, Refresh Network Online Find out more Dan Steel Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online Find out more Alistair Magowan Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Network Online Find out more Cassells Morrell Associate Republic of Ireland Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups, Refreshment Days, Formation Seminars Find out more Dave Burke Associate England Ministries involved in: Formation Seminars, Refresh One to One, Refresh Groups Find out more Alli Clear Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online, Refresh Community for Spouses Find out more Claire Wroe Associate England Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups Find out more Di Allcock Associate Associate Ministries involved in: Refresh One to One, Refresh Community for Spouses, Refreshment Days, Refresh Groups, Refresh Network Online Find out more 1 2 3 4 1 ... 1 2 3 4 ... 4 Related links Jobs News Frequently Asked Questions What we believe Our People Who we are Annual Reports How we work

One-to-one support and mentorship for people in church or Christian leadership and their spouses Refresh One-to-One Tailored mentorship and Pastoral care for leaders and their spouses "Meeting one-to-one has been a huge blessing. It feels like such a safe space where I am always heard, helped, encouraged and pointed to Jesus." Andrea Trevenna Women's Minister Select Areas Covered Select specific experience Alison Mark Associate Northern Ireland Areas of specific experience Find out more Bettina Collins Associate England Areas of specific experience Find out more Dafydd Job Associate Wales Areas of specific experience Find out more Alistair Bill Associate Northern Ireland Areas of specific experience Find out more Brian Gooding Associate Scotland Areas of specific experience Find out more Dan Steel Associate England Areas of specific experience Find out more Alistair Magowan Associate England Areas of specific experience Find out more Cassells Morrell Associate Republic of Ireland Areas of specific experience Find out more Dave Burke Associate England Areas of specific experience Find out more Alli Clear Associate England Areas of specific experience Find out more Claire Wroe Associate England Areas of specific experience Find out more Di Allcock Associate Associate Areas of specific experience Find out more 1 2 3 4 1 ... 1 2 3 4 ... 4 Related ministries Pastoral Refreshment Conferences Refresh Community for Spouses Refresh Network Online Refreshment Days Women in Ministry Groups

Sometimes, we find light in the darkest of places. In January, I read the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, and I came to this verse. Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter. Eccles 4.1 You may not believe me but I actually found this verse extremely encouraging. Here’s why. First of all, there’s something wholesome about simply hearing the truth being stated. It’s good to hear the world described as it really is. In truth, this is part of our creation mandate. God gave Adam the job of naming the animals in Genesis 2.19-20. God’s representative, describing the created world, categorising, giving things a name—that’s the start of the scientific project right there. Not just science but art too. This is what good art does well. It helps us to recognise the truth of something that otherwise might be unexpressed. Doesn't it make your spirit soar when you read something in a poem, maybe, or a novel, that makes you think ‘Yes, that’s exactly how it is!’? It is good when art or science describes reality accurately. That’s because truth matters. A lot. However, when we read this verse in Ecclesiastes, something more is happening. It’s not just the writer of Ecclesiastes saying it as it is. The Lord himself is articulating this truth in his word. So, as I came to this section, with my own heart heavy from all the injustice and evil in the world, I sensed God saying, ‘I see. I know.’ God isn’t blind to all the pain and struggle in his world. In Ecclesiastes, he tells us that he sees it all, and he knows about all of it. As I write, there’s a steady drip-drip of further revelations from the released Epstein files. It’s shocking to think of what went on, and who might have known about it. It’s infuriating to think of all that has not yet been released or revealed, some of it possibly held back deliberately or hidden away. We cannot see and may never know. But God sees; God knows. That doesn’t make it any better for the victims, not at all. None of the dreadful things that are still happening in the world stopped happening after I read that verse. I know that such things will continue to happen right up until Jesus returns. Yet none of it goes unseen by our heavenly Father. That thought lifted up my heart. It gave me hope and strengthened me for the journey ahead. HAGAR Remember Sarah’s maidservant Hagar, in Genesis 16? Cruelly used, abused, sexually exploited by Sarah and Abraham, she was then sent away by her jealous mistress. After she’d run off into the desert, the angel of the Lord found her and encouraged her to return. He also promised innumerable descendants. We then read this beautiful verse. She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Gen 16.13 I see you. Sometimes, it is just so good to hear that God sees and knows. It matters that we’re noticed. Often in life we may feel that we go unseen, yet God never, ever overlooks us. He always sees us. He knows us. BEING SEEN A friend of mine has a daughter, who was abandoned by her partner, after they’d had a son together. Since that time, she has gone through some very dark times. Now, however, she’s married to a man who takes his responsibilities as a step-father very seriously. My friend informed me that he’d told his new son-in-law, ‘I see you’. It was just a simple expression of care, but it communicated his appreciation for the young man’s time and effort in caring for his grandson, even though he isn’t the boy’s biological father. Many of us in pastoral ministry have times when we feel helpless and inadequate in the face of so much pain and suffering. It’s in those moments that we need to remember that by drawing near and coming alongside people, we are giving a meaningful testimony to our God. As we offer ourselves to others, as we draw near, we mirror our God who also draws near, who is with us. Always. When we do this, we show them that we see them. We hear them. They matter. And that offers more encouragement than we can imagine. SEEING THOSE WHO SERVE What is the best way to encourage those who serve in church? Though we may offer words of affirmation, the response is sometimes, ‘I don’t want praise’. However, though they may not want to be thanked during a Sunday service, I believe every person needs encouragement. They need to know that they’re seen. There’s no requirement to do this in a flowery or showy way, but it’s good to communicate to all who serve that their service doesn’t go unnoticed. We see them and we appreciate them. When we do this, we are pointing them to the God who sees them too. And loves them. And though we may feel inadequate at times, let us never forget that we serve the God who sees, who hears, who is never removed and distant. For we serve the One who sees us. And knows us. The One who draws near.

In this weeks’ blog we want to share with you how God has been at work through LL’s ministries is recent weeks and some things that are coming up soon… Praising God for… Streams in the desert Over the last few weeks, we have been delighted to welcome over 150 leaders and spouses to our Pastoral Refreshment Conferences in Hertfordshire and the Lake District. These three conferences, over two weeks, enabled those attending to take time away from the pressures of life and ministry to slow down and meet with the Lord. Our theme this year was “Streams in the desert”, with teaching focused on us resetting and refocusing our hearts on the grace of God; receiving from him and being restored and refreshed in him. It was such a wonderful time but you don’t have to just take our word for it. Here’s some to the feedback we received: “It's just such a welcoming and relaxed environment - lending itself to receiving from the Lord both through his word and through his people.” “Eric's teaching was gentle, rich and encouraging! The music was so refreshing and encouraging too - I loved it!” “PRC is a blessing and tonic - it sets the year on a good path.” “We have become 'old-timers' at Pastoral Refreshment Conferences. It is such a joy to come away together as church leader and spouse and be fed by the word of God being opened, with the purpose of building up and refreshing, not challenging our theological standpoint on X or Y. The pace is deliberately slow, the expectations are low and the genuine care of the leaders is so evident. So we'll keep coming back as long as we can, because it does us good.” The Hidden Generation Back in January, we were delighted to host our largest ever “spouses seminar”. The seminar explored how we parent and support children growing up in ministry families, sometimes referred to as “the hidden generation”. The seminar was led by Gareth and Claire Wroe, two of our Associates, whose honesty and wisdom helped create space for open and meaningful discussion. We hope for many it was an evening that generated lots of ideas, encouragement, and started a discussion that may continue beyond the evening. We are hoping to put on more seminars in the coming year about important topics. Our next spouses seminar is coming up in April , where we’ll be looking at “finding joy in a life of sacrifice”. Looking ahead… How are you, really? Each year, we hold an Annual Spiritual Health Survey for Christian leadrs and their spouses. One of the things we seek to embody in all we do is “listening”, and our Annual Survey is one of the ways we try to do that. We want to hear the current realities for many in ministry so we can plan the best ways to serve you and advocate for leaders and spouse care in churches and Christian organisations. Every year, we pick a special focus to sit alongside the general questions on spiritual health. This year we are researching the impact that finances have on your experience of wellbeing, and your ability to access means of spiritual support/health. If you’re in ministry (paid or voluntary) or married to someone who is, please take 10 minutes to complete the survey — your voice genuinely shapes how we serve leaders across the UK. We’d also love you to share this survey with others! Our Refreshment Days are now booking around the country… find one in your area! Refreshment Days are brilliant opportunities for those in ministry and their spouses to take a day away to receive from the Lord. During a Refreshment Day , we will hear from God's word, spend some time in reflection and have opportunities for people to pray with others, including experienced leaders who are available for one-to-one support. Now booking: 19 Mar - Men in Families, Children and Youth ministry 24 Mar - Women in Families, Children and Youth Ministry 07 May - Midlands: Lutterworth 12 May - Ambleside 21 May - Kingsclere near Newbury 04 Jun - Oxford 10 Jun - Kent 23 Jun - nr. Hexham 23 Jun - Married leaders in Families, Children and Youth ministry & their spouses 30 Jun - South Yorkshire We’re so grateful for all God is doing among leaders and their families. Please continue to pray for this work — and if you need refreshment yourself, we would love to serve you.

Sometimes, nothing seems to work. Many—perhaps most—church leaders have experienced this, though it’s often hard to admit. Here are some examples. You pray faithfully, but the breakthrough doesn’t come. You plan carefully, but momentum stalls. You preach your heart out, yet it feels like the words barely land. The harder you try to fix things, the heavier it all feels. I experienced all of these during my forty years in Christian ministry. They can quietly erode our confidence and leave us wondering if we’re doing something wrong or even worse—that we have missed out on what God’s doing somewhere? The good news is this: the Bible, with its ‘warts and all’ revelation is full of leaders who found themselves in exactly this place. And God met them there—not with shame, but with purpose. GOD MAY BE DOING DEEP WORK IN YOU Moses didn’t step from the palace straight into deliverance leadership. He spent forty years in the wilderness, tending sheep—far from influence, progress, or visible impact. (Exodus 2–3) From the outside, it may have looked like a wasted calling, but from God’s perspective, it was preparation. ‘Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law.’ (Ex 3.1) Sometimes ministry slows not because God has stepped back, but because he is shaping character before expanding influence. Reflection questions for you to consider with your team (or alone). What might God be forming in me during this season that effectiveness alone could not? Have I equated fruitfulness with faithfulness in ways Scripture does not? How am I responding to obscurity or lack of recognition? FAITHFULNESS IN THE ABSENCE OF ‘RESULTS’ STILL MATTERS Jeremiah preached for years with little response. People resisted his message, questioned his calling, and ignored his warnings. By most modern standards, his ministry would be labelled ‘ineffective’. Yet, God never measured Jeremiah by measurable outputs—only obedience. The following verse is particularly pertinent. So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. Jer 7.27, 28 This can be hard to accept in a results-driven church culture. However, God’s metrics have always valued faithfulness over visibility. Reflection questions for you and your team. If I stopped seeking ‘results’, would I still see my ministry as valuable? Am I obeying God’s call, or chasing reassurance through outcomes? How do we, as a leadership team, define 'success' in this season? DISCOURAGEMENT DOES NOT DISQUALIFY YOU After the dramatic victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah expected change. Instead, he ran for his life and collapsed under the weight of disappointment. ‘I have had enough, Lord… Take my life.’ (1 Kings 19.4) God’s response is deeply pastoral. He gives Elijah food, rest, and his gentle presence, before offering direction. ‘And after the fire came a gentle whisper.’ (1 Kings 19.12) When nothing is working, God often meets us not with correction, but with care. Reflection questions for you and your team. What signals of exhaustion or discouragement am I ignoring? Do I allow myself to receive care, or only give it? What might it look like to listen for God’s whisper rather than demand his intervention? PERSEVERANCE OFTEN LOOKS ORDINARY Perseverance in ministry is rarely dramatic. More often, it’s the quiet decision to keep going, to pray again, preach again, love again. Paul admitted how overwhelmed he felt. ‘We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure.’ (2 Cor 1.8–9) Yet he discovered something essential: desperation taught him dependence . Reflection questions for you and your team. In what areas of my life am I relying on my own strength instead of God’s? What does faithful perseverance look like right now—not ideally, but realistically? How can we support one another in staying the course together? WHEN NOTHING IS WORKING, GOD MAY BE INVITING CHANGE Not every stuck season is meant to be endured indefinitely. Sometimes God uses frustration to signal transition. Jesus said, ‘Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.’ (John 12.24) While this was a profound truth about his own mission and death, we may also use it as a prompt for change. That’s because some methods, models, or even roles may need to end before new life can emerge. This requires discernment, not panic—and courage, not fear. Reflection questions for you and your team. What needs to be released rather than fixed? Are we clinging to what once worked but no longer fits? What kind of new life might God be inviting us into?  YOU ARE NOT THE SAVIOUR AND THAT’S A RELIEF When ministry feels like it’s failing, it often reveals how much weight we’ve been carrying. Jesus reminds us, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ (Matt 11.28) The church belongs to Jesus. The mission is his. Our role is faithfulness, not rescue. Remember Paul’s profound experience of pain, in which he heard the Lord speak to him. ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ (2 Cor 12.9) Weakness does not mean failure. It creates space for grace. Reflection questions for you and your team What responsibilities have I taken on that were never mine to carry? How would my leadership change if I truly trusted Christ to build His church? What would rest look like as an act of faith? A CLOSING WORD If nothing is working right now, you are not alone—and you are not failing. You may be in a season where God is doing quieter, deeper work than you expected; work that doesn’t show up in metrics, but shapes hearts. Starting with yours. And that work, Scripture assures us, is never wasted. Consider this verse in the book of James. Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Jas 5.7–8 A farmer can do everything right—prepare the soil, plant the seed, water faithfully, yet for a long season there is nothing visible above the ground. If you walked past the field, you might assume nothing is happening. However, beneath the surface, roots are forming, nutrients are being absorbed, and life is quietly taking hold. If the farmer dug up the seed every week to ‘check progress,’ he would destroy what he planted. Church leadership often works ‘underground’. Sermons reshape thinking long before behaviour changes. Pastoral conversations soften hearts long before repentance shows. Prayer alters spiritual ground long before revival appears. Faithful leadership is less like managing a factory and more like tending a field. And remember that the Bible does not call leaders to produce results. He calls them to be faithful stewards (1 Cor 4.2). Growth belongs to God. Even Paul makes use of the agricultural metaphor. ‘I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.’ (1 Cor 3.6) So be encouraged. Invisible work is still real work. Delayed fruit is still fruit. Jesus himself led crowds that later vanished, preached sermons that thinned his following, and invested years in just twelve men—one of whom failed him badly. Yet no leadership in history was more fruitful. If you are teaching truth, loving people, praying faithfully, and walking in integrity , then success is already happening. Even if heaven alone can see it for now. So . . . ‘Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ Gal 6.9