Ministers
The Northampton Methodist Circuit operates a team ministry. They can be contacted at
Rev. David Speirs – Superintendent
I grew up in Bristol and studied law at the University of Bristol. I also have degrees in theology and ministry from the University of Bristol and a research master’s in theology and religion from the University of Exeter. I have worked in the charitable, local government, and higher education sectors.
I did my formational training for ministry at the Queen’s Foundation in Birmingham. During my training I undertook placements in a wide variety of ministry contexts both in the UK and overseas.
My first appointment was in the Hull (Centre & West Methodist) Circuit, where I had three churches in my pastoral charge. I also served as an acting university chaplain, presbyteral chaplain to the One Opportunity programme, chair’s chaplain to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and Methodist Conference representative. I have experience in establishing new projects and initiatives, specialist training in youth and children’s ministry, and have served in urban and rural contexts.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, watching films, going to the theatre, cooking, walking, and visiting historic places and gardens.
Rev. Dr Samantha Gillard
I came to Northampton after completing my formational training for presbyteral ministry at The Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education in Birmingham. My training has included a MA in Theology, Ministry & Mission, and a wide variety of placements in different ministry contexts. I bring to the Northampton Methodist Circuit a passion to share God’s unconditional love, and an excitement to become part of the ministry team, of one church, with ten worshipping communities.
I have lived in many different places across the UK, going to school in Bristol and Melksham. I trained to become a physiotherapist in Bristol; once qualified in 1992, I spent some time volunteering as a physiotherapist in Rwanda, returning to the UK to take up my first physiotherapy position in Swindon, Wiltshire. My career as a physiotherapist has taken me to various hospitals across England. I completed my MSc in Healthcare practice in Oxford, and my doctorate, in Women’s Health physiotherapy at Teesside University, graduating in 2020. Prior to candidating for the Methodist ministry, I was course lead for physiotherapy at the University of Worcester.
I am married with three grown up sons, who live and work in various places across the UK. To relax: I enjoy walking our dogs in the countryside; multiple different crafts including, sewing and crochet; reading; musical theatre; traveling and exploring the history of different countries, and watching a wide variety of drama’s.
Rev. Ian Forsyth
I was born in Glasgow and moved to Guildford in Surrey when I was five years old. I grew up attending a Baptist Church in Guildford and my very first job was working in a bakery putting jam in doughnuts. Following school, I had the privilege of working in the architectural world as an architectural technician before training for ministry and completing a theology degree in Belfast.
Over the years I have spent some time teaching as well as being in involved in a number of different churches, developing small group work and community projects including managing a reconciliation project in Belfast following my time at Bible College. One of my passions is to see the church grow and develop in the twenty first century however there are many challenges in the church today. By focusing on discipleship and encouraging people to read the Bible and to share what they have discovered, helps each of us to grow as followers of Jesus.
Photography has been a hobby for most of my life and I now focus on taking fun pictures, particularly of our grandchildren. I have an eclectic taste in music and enjoy walking and gardening. I have always said I will never write a book; however, I am writing electronic diaries for our three sons and seven grandchildren where I share memories and include many family photographs.
I am currently working as a presbyter in the Northampton Methodist Church having responsibility for four worshipping communities and work as a mission enabler, across all the worshipping communities in the circuit.
Rev. Alan Sharp – Supernumerary
