Haywards Heath Methodist Church

Our Ministers

Rev Dr David M. Chapman
It is my privilege to serve as minister at Haywards Heath Methodist Church and as Methodist Superintendent and co-leader of the Central Sussex United Area. Previously, I served in the Wimbledon Circuit and most recently in the Dorking and Horsham Circuit, where I was also secretary of the London South-West District Synod for five years. My initial ministerial training was at Wesley House and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, where I studied theology for four years.

I am married to Sue, who teaches full-time at a large primary school in West Sussex where she also has management responsibilities. We have three children, Alexander, Sophie and Abigail, who are at various stages in higher and secondary education. After living in the centre of Cambridge and then in the London Borough of Merton, we greatly enjoy living in rural Sussex within easy reach of London and the South coast.

My main research interest is in ecclesiology or the doctrine of the Church. I serve on the Faith and Order Network of the Methodist Church and represent Methodism nationally and internationally in ecumenical dialogues with partner churches.

 Rev Pauline Crispin
Since I can remember, the Methodist Church has played a part in my life. Over the years the part it has played has been of varying degrees. I was first taken to Sunday school at the age of three, to Eastney Central Hall, in Southsea. In my late teens I became a member there and soon after started helping in the Sunday school. My husband Richard and I were married in 1983 and we have three children, Stephen, Michael and Sarah. About 12 years ago I felt that God was calling me to become a local preacher. Sometime after completing that training I felt that God was calling me to some sort of full time ministry and so I started Foundation training, which apart from being theological training is also a time of exploration and discernment into ones calling.

Having recently completed nearly four years at theological training in Bristol, at Wesley College, this is my first appointment as a Methodist Minister. My ministry is shared between Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Hurstpierpoint. My family and I are also involved in the 'Walk to Emmaus' organization, which is a programme for Christian growth and development. The 'Walk to Emmaus' organization run structured weekends designed to strengthen and renew the commitment of Christian people. See their website here. 

Moving to Sussex has been very new and exciting for my family and me. Although we have only come from the Portsmouth area, where we have lived all our lives, we knew very little about Sussex. We have, however, seen already what a beautiful county it is, with its stunning and magnificent countryside.

© Copyright Haywards Heath Methodist Church 2012