23 July 2018

Iain Hesketh appointed as Elim’s new International Missions Director

Following the recent appointment of Paul Hudson as Regional Leader for the Midlands and North East, Elim’s National Leadership Team have chosen Iain Hesketh to be the new International Missions Director.

For the last six years, Iain has served as the Senior Pastor of Encounter Church, Selly Oak, which is a vibrant, multi-cultural church in Birmingham. Prior to that, he commenced his ministry on the team at Elim’s Reading church before moving to West Bromwich in 2006. 

Commenting on his new role, Iain said, "It is a huge honour to be appointed as International Missions Director and to get to see first-hand what God is doing across the globe.”

“Paul Hudson has done a phenomenal job of leading Elim Missions to a very healthy place and I cannot wait to pick up where he will leave off. I will continue responding to the Holy Spirit's leading in the mission to make Jesus known throughout the earth.” 

“I'm excited to begin working with our missionaries and help to release new missionaries to go where the Holy Spirit sends!"

Iain is a strategic leader who has demonstrated significant gifting in leadership development and pastoral care.  He has been serving as part of the team re-shaping Elim’s ministry selection process and the Ministerial Selection Board.

Iain’s first involvement with missions was sparked by his Senior Pastor at Reading, Billy Fenning, taking him to the Philippines.  From that time on, he has gained experience of Elim Missions and missionaries in the field through involvement in short-term mission teams, national “working groups” and with an increasing particular focus on the nations of Nepal and Cambodia.

Chris Cartwright, General Superintendent, commented, “Iain comes to the role seeking to build upon our rich missionary heritage in a season of increasing opportunity and partnership around the world through Elim Global.”

“He is committed to the Elim Movement and our shared mission. He wants to serve the people across the world and in our local churches to carry the vision forward.”  

The Missions Director role includes promoting and encouraging individuals and Elim churches to get involved with the work of Elim missions, as well as equipping, releasing and supporting our missionaries. 

As Elim Missions is only funded by direct giving from Elim Churches and individuals, a vital aspect of the role includes raising awareness and financial support for every project and missionary, as well as prayer and pastoral care. Elim currently has 79 missionaries, serving in 45 locations in 27 countries. 

The present Missions Director, Paul Hudson, leaves his role in August, passing the leadership baton onto Iain, who commences in September.

To find out more about the work of Elim Missions, please visit elimmissions.co.uk