Brad Goddon-Smith: Local lay pastor

Local Lay Pastor

Brad is one of the Local Lay Pastors for the DNE Methodist Circuit, whose assigned churches are Brimington Hall Road and Barlborough Methodist Church. He also supports the work developing in Barrow Hill with the new congregation that is forming, and is beginning to create a focus on Schools, Youth and Young Adult work across the Circuit.

Brad's roots are deeply grounded in Methodism, and he has over 10 years of experience in church ministry positions, both voluntary and paid. His background spans youth ministry, events, education, and the music industry. After earning a degree in Theology from Cliff College, Brad and his wife, Rosie, moved to Alderley Edge and Knutsford Circuit, where they served as Youth and Outreach Workers. They later became Mission Partners, serving the Methodist Church in Germany.

Upon their return to the UK, Brad worked as a Youth Worker and Chaplain at a secondary school in Nottingham before joining the Connexional Global Relationships Team as Programme Delivery Officer. Through these two roles, Brad discovered that his passion lay in local church ministry and helping communities encounter the love of Jesus, so he joined the DNE team in September 2024.

Although his role has continued to adapt and change across his time in the Circuit, Brad continues to preach regularly, challenging congregations to move beyond old habits and bringing fresh ideas — whether building on what's already happening or shaping something new where he sees an opportunity.

In his free time, Brad is an Assistant Coach at Man v Fat Football, a men's weight-loss group based around football. When not playing, he finds himself supporting Derby County (albeit with some frustration), creating and writing music, and, most importantly, spending quality time with his wife and two children.